Here we go again – not a day goes by now without the Australian government proving to the world they are led by out of touch bureaucrats.
The bill, which gives the premier and health minister the power to declare a pandemic and enforce restrictions, is set to replace the state of emergency that expires on December 15.
The fines included in the bill are ridiculous and everyone but the ultra-rich will not be able to afford these. Gone are the days of $2,000 and $5,000 fines. We are now entering the twilight zone where $20,000 and $90,000 fines are being normalized.
The fines are broken down as follows:
$21,909
This fine is for breaching a pandemic order such as not wearing a mask, breaking a movement limit, attending an illegal protest or a gathering, refusing to get tested or failing to show ID.
$90,870
This fine is for an aggravated offence for breaches that ’cause a serious risk to the health of another individual’ such as going to work when infectious.
$109,044
This fine is for businesses breaking rules which may include failing to make sure customers check-in or show proof of vaccine status.
$454,350
This fine is for an ‘aggravated’ offence by a business such as encouraging customers to flout lockdown rules .