January 25 marked five years since the first COVID case was recorded in Australia. While many of us have tried to move on from the pandemic, for some Australians, the pandemic’s lingering impacts are still felt. Among these is the burden of outstanding fines, issued for breaking COVID restrictions.
During the pandemic, police issued millions of dollars’ worth of fines to people who broke restrictions. More than 50,000 fines were issued in Victoria and around 62,000 in New South Wales. Fines ranged from A$200 for not wearing a face mask to nearly $5,000 for breaking rules about gatherings.
Our new research involved surveys and in-depth interviews with people who used drugs during the pandemic. They reported feeling targeted by police and even harassed while trying to access drug treatments – and years later, many still have fines they’re unable to pay.
Interactions with police were described as fraught with discrimination and harassment. Participants reported being stopped, searched, and fined while trying to go about their daily lives. This may be partly because their circumstances meant they were more likely to be using public spaces – and therefore were more visible to police.
In our study, the financial burden of COVID fines was devastating. Most could not afford to pay fines or lacked the confidence to navigate appeals processes to contest them, leading to further entanglement with the criminal legal system.
Public health responses should be designed to protect people, not punish them. As we move forward, it is crucial to address the lasting impacts of COVID fines. All Australian governments should follow the lead of NSW and waive all remaining fines to alleviate the financial and emotional burden on vulnerable populations.
The pandemic has left a lasting impact on vulnerable communities, particularly those who use drugs. The burden of outstanding fines is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. It is crucial that governments take steps to waive these fines and provide support to those who have been affected.
Q: How many fines were issued during the pandemic?
A: More than 50,000 fines were issued in Victoria and around 62,000 in New South Wales.
Q: What were the fines for?
A: Fines ranged from A$200 for not wearing a face mask to nearly $5,000 for breaking rules about gatherings.
Q: Who was most affected by the fines?
A: Disadvantaged groups, including people from Sudanese and South Sudanese backgrounds, Aboriginal people, and children experiencing disadvantage, were most affected by the fines.
Q: What is the current situation with COVID fines in Victoria?
A: Around 30,000 fines are still outstanding in Victoria, and to our knowledge, the situation hasn’t changed since then.
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