This was published 3 years ago
Premier slapped with $400 in fines for not wearing mask
By Timna Jacks
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been slapped with two fines totalling $400 for breaching Chief Health Officer directions by failing to wear a face mask in public.
The Premier has apologised for not wearing a mask while walking across the carpark at Parliament House to speak to reporters on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Victoria Police confirmed that it issued two $200 fines to Mr Andrews for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions after he was filmed approaching Parliament without a mask on.
The Age has confirmed the Premier has already paid the two fines.
In a statement released earlier on Friday, Mr Andrews said he removed his mask “after leaving the car, before I walked to the back doors”, before taking questions from reporters.
“I expect Victoria Police to assess this and if they choose to issue a fine, of course I will pay it,” he said.
“If they do not issue a fine I will donate the same value to a charity working to support people in this pandemic because whilst this was an oversight, oversights matter. Everyone needs to follow the rules and I am sorry it occurred.”
Victorian COVID-19 rules require Victorians to wear a mask outdoors and those caught breaking the Chief Health Officer’s directions face a fine of $200.
More to come
Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.