$100 Million in Pandemic Penalties Issued, Yet Up to 50,000 Victorian Covid Fines Remain Outstanding

Tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 fines remain unpaid in Victoria as residents are urged to address their penalties promptly.

During the Victorian state budget estimates, Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes revealed that over 50,000 fines, amounting to more than $100 million, were issued for violating health orders during the pandemic.

Of the total fines, around 5,500 have been paid, while 14,319 remain unpaid, resulting in enforcement warrants being issued.

Tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 fines remain unpaid in pandemic-era penalties in Victoria. Pictured are residents in the Melbourne CBD during the pandemic

Out of the total fines, 3,716 individuals chose to contest their 4,052 fines in court, while 11,800 fines were cancelled by enforcement agencies.

Additionally, 152 fines were registered with the Children’s Court for enforcement.

The Victorian government has managed to recover $9.36 million through full payments of COVID-19 fines, while $5.76 million is being collected through ongoing payment plans.

Despite the withdrawal of more than 20% of the fines, Ms. Symes cautioned the public against ignoring them, as they can accumulate over time.

‘Fines do not disappear unless you take action,’ she emphasized during the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee meeting.

‘There are various ways to address your fines, such as setting up payment plans or seeking grounds for their withdrawal through engagement with the department.’

Fines totaling more than $100 million were issued for breaching health orders during the pandemic