The Refund of COVID-19 Fines: A Victory for Accountability
Thousands of Invalid COVID-19 Fines to be Refunded
Thousands of COVID-19 fines worth millions of dollars are set to be withdrawn and repaid in New South Wales. These fines, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, were deemed invalid by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Legal Battle Leads to Fine Withdrawals
The NSW Government initially withdrew 33,000 fines that were issued during the pandemic two years ago. This decision came after a test case revealed that some penalty notices did not comply with the Fines Act due to “limited information.” Now, the remaining 23,000 fines will also be withdrawn, totaling $15 million in refunded fines, as reported by the Redfern Legal Centre.
Significant Win for Accountability
Samantha Lee, supervising solicitor at the Redfern Legal Centre, hailed the fine withdrawals as a “significant win for accountability.” She emphasized the goal of seeking justice for all individuals in NSW who received invalid fines.
The impact of COVID fines on marginalised communities and on children was disproportionate, unreasonable, and unjust.
Legal Action Threatened
Maurice Blackburn had threatened to file a class action if Revenue NSW did not withdraw and refund the remaining COVID-19 fines. Jennifer Kanis from the firm highlighted the importance of clarity in fines, stating that individuals deserve to know the alleged offence.
Refunds and Outreach
The NSW Department of Customer Service announced that around $5.5 million will be refunded to individuals who had fully or partially paid their fines. Commissioner of Fines Administration, Scott Johnston, assured that Revenue NSW will reach out to all affected customers to assist them in finalizing their matters.
Conclusion
The refunding of thousands of COVID-19 fines in NSW marks a significant victory for accountability and justice. The legal battle led by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has resulted in millions of dollars being repaid to individuals who were unfairly fined during the pandemic. This serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and clarity in law enforcement actions.
FAQs
1. How many fines are being refunded in NSW?
A total of 56,000 COVID-19 fines, amounting to $15 million, are being refunded in NSW.
2. Will all affected individuals receive a refund?
Yes, Revenue NSW will be reaching out to all affected customers to support them through the refund process.