MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has expressed her confidence that residents in the Mildura electorate will comply with Victorian Government requirements to stop the spread of COVID-19.
But she has issued a warning to residents that police will use their new powers for anyone who chooses not follow the rules.
“I support the Government’s decision to implement Stage 3 restrictions in the fight to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Cupper said.
“I believe from what I have seen and heard that our community is by and large doing the right thing.
“However, my office does receive reports from concerned constituents when they observe certain groups or people who don’t appear to be taking the threat seriously enough and may still be gathering and not observing physical distancing requirements.”
Ms Cupper’s comments came after Mildura Superintendent Rebecca Olsen told Sunraysia Daily that so far no fines had been issued.
On Saturday, the State Government announced new on-the-spot fines for those who breached physical-distancing rules designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.
On-the-spot infringement notices of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses can be issued by police for refusing or failing to comply with the Chief Health Officer (CHO) and Deputy Chief Health Officer emergency directions or public health risk directions.
“The police have been rightly equipped with powers to intervene when people are not following the instructions of the Chief Health Officer,” Ms Cupper said.
“In the lead up to Easter, when our region is usually a hive of activity for tourists, I know Victoria Police will be doing everything they can to ensure those instructions are followed.”
Ms Cupper called on the Mildura community to show they care over Easter by staying home and following the rules.
“There are only four reasons that people need to be going out,” she said. “Shopping for what they need – food and essentials, medical care and compassionate needs, exercising in a pair or alone, or work and study if you can’t do those things remotely.
“Simple adherence to these rules makes a big contribution to our entire community, it is really the best gift we can give to our family and our entire community this Easter.”
