Defence Force personnel will assist Tasmania Police in conducting self-isolation compliance checks

Australian Defence Force personnel will join police in a joint operation ensuring Tasmanians are complying with stage three lockdown laws.

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Jonathan Higgins. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

TASMANIA’S isolation compliance checks look set to ramp up with Australian Defence Force personnel to join Tasmanian police officers in conducting inspections.

Over the week to April 1, police officers conducted more than 2300 checks on people in quarantine across the state.

Penalties enforced so far include charges against a Rocherlea man who failed to comply with a direction from the director of public health after his vehicle was intercepted by police on Tuesday night.

A group of 10 people will also be proceeded against for camping in a restricted area on the East Coast.

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Acting Deputy Commissioner Jonathon Higgins said from Thursday 40 ADF officers as well as State Emergency Service crews and Tasmania Fire Service personnel would begin assisting police with compliance checks.

Tasmanian motorists should expect to be pulled over and quizzed about why they aren’t at home, Mr Higgins said.

“There won’t be any mass stops of cars but police will have a targeted approach with vehicle checks as well,” he said. “People will be asked what they’re doing out on the road.

“If they have a particular purpose, like essential workers, then presenting reasons for that will provide a valid excuse to be out.”

Mr Higgins said police would not be issuing on-the-spot fines and said proceedings would be by summons or arrest. The Emergency Management Act carries a penalty of up to $16,800 or imprisonment up to six months for failing to comply with a lawful requirement or direction of an emergency management worker.