How many Covid fines have really been paid

It has been revealed less than one in ten fines issued for Covid related breaches over the past financial year have been paid, with no action taken in relation to the overwhelming majority.Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told a parliamentary inquiry on Tuesday that of the 40,843 fines issued just 8.6 per cent had been paid.More than 20,000 fines had been simply ignored, while 8 per cent of people fined had requested a payment plan and 6.9 per cent wanted to challenge the fine in court.The Public Accounts and Estimates Committee was told no action had all had been taken in relation to 62 per cent of fines issued.Department of Justice and Community Safety secretary Rebecca Falkingham told the inquiry all fines would be pursued.“It’s worth pointing out that a lot of people will be on a payment plan … or that they’ve sought an internal review,” she said.“The government will continue to pursue those fines in accordance with all the statutory thresholds we have in relation to those fines.“Obviously, it’s really critical that the chief health officer directions are followed.“When they’re not followed We do issue infringements … those fines don’t cease when the pandemic ceases, and we will continue to pursue those fines.”“The team at fines Victoria will continue to pursue each and every one of those fines.”Victoria Police can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $1817 for adults caught refusing or failing to comply with Covid.Fines of $5452 fine can be issued for anyone found breaching gatherings directions in the home or outside, or for anyone who breaches the requirement to isolate or quarantine under a direction from the Department of Health.Commissioner Patton also revealed 25 police stations across the state were continuing to run restricted services because of pressure on police resources.The police chief said the stations had been forced to closed counter services so officers could be deployed to Hotel Quarantine or border patrol duties.Opposition assistant treasurer James Newbury said the unpaid fines made a mockery of the system.“Each day during lockdown, Daniel Andrews boasted about thousands of Victorians being fined for Covid breaches,” he said.“We now know that the fines issued have actually been collecting dust, pinned to people’s fridges.‘Over 90 per cent of the 40,000 fines remain unpaid. This fines debacle proves that the Labor Government is full of a lot of hot air.”