More than 23,000 COVID-19 Fines Withdrawn in NSW

The New South Wales government will withdraw over 23,500 COVID-19 fines in the state for breaching public health orders during the pandemic.
These orders included rules on social distancing, indoor and outdoor gatherings, visitor numbers, masks, stay-at-home orders, and curfews in certain local government areas.
The NSW Commissioner of Fines Administration, in consultation with the NSW Police Commissioner, confirmed the withdrawal of the fines on Nov. 26.
“The remaining 23,539 penalty notices were not withdrawn as part of this decision as they were formulated differently, with a clearer explanation of the offences for which they were issued.”
Since receiving legal representation and considering the descriptions of the remaining penalty notices, the government decided it was appropriate to withdraw them.
The government explained the public health orders were issued in a “complex and rapidly changing environment” and required frequent revisions to manage the evolving public health situation.
“Ultimately, the Commissioner of Fines Administration considers the COVID-19 related penalty notices contained insufficient details which may render them technically deficient and place their validity in doubt,” the government said.
“Following representations made to the Commissioner of Police and myself concerning the validity of COVID-19 penalty notices, I have decided to exercise my statutory authority and withdraw these notices,” he added.
Responding to the news, One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts said refunding and cancelling COVID-19 fines was insufficient.