Over 23,000 outstanding COVID-era fines will be withdrawn by the New South Wales government in Australia.
The fines, worth approximately $5.5 million, will be refunded from the state government’s draconian restrictions during the height of the COVID scamdemic.
“Another 23,000 COVID fines are being withdrawn. Those already paid will be refunded, costing the state government five and a half million dollars,” 7NEWS reports.
“The penalties were put in place during the pandemic for breaching health orders like public gatherings. Revenue NSW will begin contacting people affected within days,” it added.
WATCH:
Australia Millions of dollars in fines dished out for breaches of pandemic restrictions in NSW will be refunded, while close to 24,000 penalty notices will be officially torn up. pic.twitter.com/cmKUEHZpnr
— Camus (@newstart_2024) November 27, 2024
Per Sky News:
The announcement comes after legal advice recommended information contained in penalty notices may not comply with the requirements of the Fines Act.
ADVERTISEMENTThis means they did not contain enough information required under the Act when issued to those allegedly in breach of pandemic rules, with the 23,539 fines now declared null and void.
Revenue NSW’s Commissioner of Fines Administration Scott Johnston made the decision in consultation with NSW Police in light of the new advice, The Australian understands.
Those who already paid the fines, whether in full or partially, will be refunded with Revenue NSW set to start contacting customers this week.
However this won’t impact fines which are now in front of, or have been finalised by the court system, as they have been taken out of the government’s hands.
More than 23,000 wild Covid-era fines will be refunded in a major concession from the NSW government after thousands of residents were sprung by cops over everyday activities.https://t.co/r5VCxT2QCW
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) November 26, 2024
“Over the past four years, countless brave individuals have fought relentlessly—both in and out of the courtroom—to have unjust COVID fines overturned. These fines, which were never lawful, caused untold pain and shattered trust in our Government and its institutions. Thanks to the tireless efforts of lawyers, legal centers, advocates, and community leaders, we’ve achieved a hard-fought victory: the Government has finally seen the light and revoked these fines. This is a powerful moment for justice. We won!” lawyer Tony Nikolic said.
“For those who paid these fines, know that you may have avenues to seek redress. Even if you felt alone, people were working tirelessly behind the scenes to fight for what was right. The suffering endured by our community must never be repeated. The truth is, the former Police Minister knew these actions were wrong yet allowed them to continue. This betrayal of the public trust was inexcusable, and we must ensure such failures never happen again. To everyone who stood up, fought, and refused to back down—you’ve shown the power of unity and resilience. Today, justice prevailed!” he added.
Victory- Great work by Redfern Legal Centre and all other advocates of social justice
Over the past four years, countless brave individuals have fought relentlessly—both in and out of the courtroom—to have unjust COVID fines overturned. These fines, which were never lawful,… pic.twitter.com/5TaI1MRSvS
— Tony Nikolic
Corinthians 15:58- #Holdtheline
(@TonyNikolic10) November 26, 2024
9News reports:
The move comes two years after 36,000 of the 62,000 pandemic-era fines were scratched, following a Supreme Court ruling that they were invalid because they were too vague.
ADVERTISEMENTThe state government had not been drawn on calls to withdraw the remaining penalty notices, but today announced that they would, in fact, be scrapped.
The decision will see 23,539 fines cancelled, but will have no impact on any that had already been taken to the courts.
Revenue NSW will refund a combined $5.5 million to residents who had already partially or fully paid one of those fines.
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.
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