COVID-19
David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:18): (642) My adjournment matter is addressed to the Attorney-General. According to evidence at recent Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearings, more than 28,000 fines handed out for COVID infringements remain unpaid. We also learned that a payment plan the government set up that has cost a million dollars has granted just over 200 applications. This means that it has cost Victorian taxpayers nearly $5000 to recover each fine that was handed out to people who might have gone to the shops outside their zone or dared to take their kids to a playground. This is a waste of time and money for everyone concerned and a great cause of stress for thousands of Victorians during a cost-of-living crisis. Attorney, we have a new Premier, and you have the chance to take a new approach. Isn’t it time we put this whole nightmare behind us? My request for action is to waive all outstanding COVID fines before Christmas.