Australian former professional boxer & former rugby league footballer, Anthony Mundine, fights public health order fine

The Daily Examiner online, 25 November 2021:

Mr Mundine was fined in July last year for failing to comply with public health orders and failing to comply with a noticed direction.

He was subsequently issued with a court attendance notice for charges of not complying with a noticed direction and failing to comply with a public health order.

The charges came after police investigated reports the 46-year-old had attended a licenced premises in Yamba, NSW.

At the time of the incident, travel outside of Sydney, where Mr Mundine lives, was banned under strict lockdown measures unless people had an exemption.

Mr Mundine pleaded not guilty to not complying with a noticed direction, while the second charge was later withdrawn.

Mr Mundine’s matter was mentioned in Maclean Local Court on Thursday.

His lawyer John Giang applied for the matter to be adjourned a further three weeks to December 16.

Mr Mundine did not appear in court for the matter. 

North Coast news you may have missed this week.......

 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday 28 July 2021 that up to 40,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine would be redirected from the state's rural and regional COVID-19 vaccine supply to help Year 12 students in some of Sydney's worst-affected suburbs get back to school for face-to-face learning.

But with several COVID-19 cases in regional towns, including Coffs Harbour, Orange and the Central Coast, residents reacted cautiously to the announcement. 

"There are frontline health care workers who [still] haven't been vaccinated [in regional areas]," Rural Doctors Association of Australia's CEO Peta Rutherford said. 

"We just say it with warning — if they're moving the vaccines into Sydney, we would expect, should there be an outbreak, that the Premier is prepared to move Sydney vaccines to a rural town if required." 

On the Mid North Coast, the mayor of Nambucca Heads, Rhonda Hoban, said despite no COVID-19 cases so far, there were a lot of vulnerable people in the community still waiting to be vaccinated. 

"We've got three times the state average of people over the age of 65, a high Indigenous population and a significantly higher than average number of people who suffer chronic health conditions," Councillor Hoban said. 

"The real issue has been that we've had close to 18 months and we still don't have enough vaccines. 

“If there was an outbreak in the Nambucca Valley and they rushed Pfizer here, immunity is not immediate.” 

Similar concerns were held by the Mayor of Lake Macquarie Kay Fraser, who said regional NSW was being treated like Sydney's "poorer cousin". 

“I have a real issue with it," she said. 

“If it’s going to come out of the Hunter region or some of those regional areas out at Orange, where there is COVID-19, I’m really concerned.”  [ABC News, 29 July 2021]

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Twenty-four 24 brand new homes funded by a $4.1 million grant by the NSW Government - 12 two-bedroom and 12 single-bedroom - are to be built in South Grafton for disadvantaged families in partnership with North Coast Community Housing.

Work is expected to begin on the Bimble Ave site in South Grafton early in 2021, following council approval.

“North Coast Community Housing CEO John McKenna said the project would help alleviate housing stress by providing a significant boost to housing options in Grafton.

“The mixed tenure development is aimed at addressing three issues in the current housing market by offering six of the units for sale, nine units at an affordable rent for key workers and nine units for those most in need of social housing,” Mr McKenna said.” [DailyTelegraph, 28 July 2021]

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Details of the fines issued to 26 year-old George Thompson who breached the Greater Sydney lockdown by flying to Ballina on 14 July 2021 before being driven across the NSW-Qld border where allegedly “he used someone else's details to check into venues around Brisbane…..

July 26: Mr Thompson was fined $4,000 for failing to comply with a border direction, $4,000 for providing false information and $1,300 for failing to comply with a direction from an emergency officer. Ms Gray was fined $4,000 failing to comply with a border direction.” [Daily Mail, 29 July 2021]

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Over 5,500 reports to NSW Crime Stoppers indicates that the wider Sydney population may not have been amused by that anti-lockdown demonstration

 

One quick guess as to why people may not have been amused.

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EXHIBIT A: NSW Health data showed that, as of 8pm Sunday 25 July 2021, the number of locally acquired COVID-19 infections since the 16 June beginning of the Delta Variant Outbreak in NSW now totals 2,237 people - inclusive of 8 deaths. 

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NSW Police reported on Sunday 25 July 2021:

Police have received more than 5,500 reports from members of the public as they continue to investigate yesterday’s protest under Strike Force Seasoned.

A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm yesterday, (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.

General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.

During the operation, 63 people were arrested.

Thirty-five people – aged between 18 and 69 - were charged with various offences, including assault police officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, wilfully obstruct officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

Of these, 20 were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 25 July 2021).

Fifteen were granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre and Newtown Local Courts at a later date.

Additionally, strike force investigators arrested and charged two men – aged 33 and 36 – overnight. They remain before the courts.

At least 90 Penalty Infringement Notices were also issued for breaches of the public health orders.

Strike Force Seasoned has been established by the Central Metropolitan Region to continue to identify and prosecute protest participants.

Over 5,500 reports have been made to Crime Stoppers and so far, investigators have identified over 200 people.

Investigators are following up every report and have issued two court attendance notice and PINS to 16 people today.

Anyone with information or vision of yesterday’s protest activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000. Every single report will be investigated.

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

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Guess who "was issued with a court attendance notice for two counts of not comply with noticed direction/Covid-19 and encourage commission of crime". [news-com-au 25 July 2021] pic.twitter.com/zNqtYOkUMT

— no_filter_Yamba (@no_filter_Yamba) July 26, 2021

In the face of growing community transmission NSW Police urge cooperation and compliance after concerning breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders

Words fail me......

NSW Police Public Site, News, 15-17 July 2051:

Police urge cooperation and compliance after concerning breaches of Public Health Orders

Police have issued more than 200 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches of the Public Health Act in the past 24 hours as high-visibility operations continue across NSW.

Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, State Emergency Operations Controller, said the cooperation and support of the community – in the form of compliance – was key to the police operation.

“While the vast majority of the community is doing the right thing, it is concerning that three weeks into these restrictions, we are seeing an increase in non-compliance,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

“Police attended more than 960 COVID-related jobs yesterday, with about 600 of those coming from reports to Crime Stoppers.

“In total, police detected almost 400 people breaching the Public Health Orders, resulting in about 220 legal actions, ranging from fines through to criminal charges.

“These numbers are concerning, as the more people do the wrong thing, the more chance there is of the virus spreading,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott reminded people of the serious risk that this Delta variant of COVID-19 poses to the entire state.

“We are dealing with an increased risk of transmission of the virus within the Greater Sydney and surrounding areas, and now is not the time to lose our resolve,” Mr Elliott said.

“I want to remind people in the broader state of NSW not to be complacent, this Delta variant highly transmissible, so please abide by the rules no matter where you are in the state.”

An incident of note in Greater Sydney includes:

• About 1.30am yesterday, officers from Riverstone Police Area Command stopped a 22-year-old Blacktown woman and a 39-year-old Mt Druitt man at Dean Park, who were found to be out in breach of the Public Health Orders. They were each issued a $1000 PIN before being directed home. The pair were stopped at Quakers Hill about 7.30pm, again in breach of the stay home orders. Checks revealed the earlier interaction with police and legal action. Following further inquiries, it was established that the pair did not return home as directed, instead had travelled on public transport to at least nine different suburbs – from Richmond in the west through to Sydney CBD – throughout the day. Their activities included visiting a fast food restaurant and a hotel, where they spent time with two other people. They have been charged with not comply with noticed direction re: Section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and are due to appear in court next month.

An incident of note in Regional NSW includes:

• Officers from South Coast Police District attended a short-term rental property at Catalina, near Batemans Bay, about 3.15pm, after receiving information that Sydneysiders were staying there. Police were told the eight people – aged between 18 and 19 – had travelled from their homes at Balgowlah Heights, Bellevue Hill, Bondi, Dover Heights, and Edgecliff to the stay at the property before they were due to return to university. Inquiries established they were in breach of the Public Health Orders and were each issued with a $1000 PIN before being directed to return home via the most direct route.

Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, thanked the South Coast community for their assistance in enforcing the public health orders.

“This case really shows that Sydneysiders have nowhere to hide in regional areas at the moment,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.

“If you live in Greater Sydney and are thinking of travelling in contravention of the public health order, you should be aware that if police don’t pull you over proactively, the community will let us know you’re there.

“Regional people are actively working with police to protect themselves and their loved ones, which is so important given the incredibly contagious nature of the Delta strain.”

In total, 203 PINs were issued yesterday, with 93 of those $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.

A further 19 people were charged with failing to comply with Public Health Orders; the majority of those charges were associated with other criminal offences.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages. [my yellow highlighting]

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Three removalists who allegedly had knowledge they were COVID positive before travelling from metropolitan Sydney to regional NSW are among the latest people to breach the Public Health Order in the past 24 hours.

Just after 2.30pm yesterday (Friday 16 July 2021), officers from Central West Police District attended Speedy Street, Molong, and spoke with four men – aged 21, 49 and two aged 27 – after receiving information they had travelled there from West Hoxton.

Police established the men, who were working as removalists, had travelled from West Hoxton to Figtree, before travelling to Molong, stopping in regional areas including South Bowenfels and Orange along the way.

It will be alleged three of the men travelled to Molong after being notified they had tested positive to COVID-19.

Police escorted all the men and their vehicles back to Greater Sydney where they have been instructed to isolate for 14-days.

The younger three men were issued Court Attendance Notices for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott was troubled by this significant breach of the Public Health Orders.

“This thoughtless act has now placed our regional communities in NSW at the greatest risk so far with this pandemic,” Mr Elliott said.

“We know that the delta variant is highly transmissible, and it is unfathomable to think that, with all the public information and health warnings, people could so blatantly ignore the health orders.”

State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said police will be increasing their response to ensure public safety is the number one priority.

“Currently, we are seeing millions of people right across this state doing the right thing being let down by a small minority who continue to be irresponsible and put themselves and their communities at risk,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

“Today’s strengthening of the health orders means that people will have to change the way that they behave.

“The greater restrictions will see police ramping up our response across all of greater Sydney and regional areas to ensure people comply with the health orders and that public safety is the number one priority,” he said.

In total, police have issued 162 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and charged 18 people for breaches of the Public Health Act in the past 24 hours.

Police attended more than 1,000 COVID-related jobs yesterday, with about 630 of those coming from reports to Crime Stoppers.

Incidents of note in Greater Sydney includes:

• A 25-year-old man who worked in an aged care facility in south-western Sydney and had been informed that he had tested positive to COVID-19 and was directed to stay-at-home. About 10.30pm (Friday 16 July 2021), officers from the North West Region Operations Support Group discovered the man had left his Mr Druitt home and travelled by car to Blacktown to buy dumbbell weights. The man has since been issued a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction – individual.

Other incidents of note in regional NSW includes:

• Just before 11am (Friday 16 July 2021), officers attached to Tenterfield Traffic and Highway Patrol were conducting patrols when they stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer on the New England Highway, south of Guyra, and spoke to the driver, a 20-year-old man, and his male passenger. Inquiries revealed they were from Knawal and Charmhaven on the Central Coast and they were each issued $1000 PINs. Inquiries are continuing.

• About 6.20pm (Friday 16 July 2021), officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District observed a grey Audi sedan travelling at speed on the Pacific Highway, Doyalson. Police stopped the car on Scenic Drive and spoke to the driver, a 27-year-old man, and a male passenger, also aged 27. Following inquiries, both men were issued a $1000 PIN for not complying with current health orders as they do not reside in the same household and did not have a reasonable excuse to leave their homes.

• At 12.40am today (Saturday 17 July 2021), police spoke to a man who was asleep in the rear of a white Volkswagen Tiguan on Booner Street, Hawks Nest. The 60-year-old man said he travelled from his Turramurra home to the area for some peace and quiet. After being reminded of the current stay-at-home order, he was issued a $1000 PIN before being directed to return home via the most direct route. [my yellow highlighting]

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Michael West Media, 15 July 2021:

A NSW Police Force spokesperson said:

“Officers from Monaro Police District have issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with direction under the Public Health Act after an alleged breach by a 20-year-old woman.

“It’s alleged the woman travelled from regional NSW to Sydney then to the ACT, before returning to her home in regional NSW last Friday (9 July 2021).

“She was very helpful and apologetic with police. She has since been issued with the $1000 PIN.”

She received the smallest possible penalty for breaching public health orders. The maximum penalty is “imprisonment for 6 months and/or a penalty of up to $11,000.......

The ACT police force, NSW police force and John Barilaro himself have all refused to comment on whether or not John Barilaro or an associate was in contact with the police regarding the matter. 

NOTE:

(John) Giovanni Domenic Barilaro is the NSW Deputy Premier and National Party MLA for Monaro.

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The Daily Telegraph, 16 July 2021:

Outspoken former boxer Anthony Mundine has copped a $1000 fine for breaking Covid rules, while police investigate a second potential breach.

The high-profile Sydney resident was handed the fine after flying to Ballina on July 7, despite the citywide lockdown.

“Officers from Richmond Police District issued a 46-year-old man with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice after inquiries revealed he travelled from metropolitan Sydney to Ballina without a reasonable excuse on Wednesday 7 July 2021,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Police are also investigating a second alleged breach after Mundine went to Yamba, in northern NSW.

On July 14 officers launched an inquiry following reports Mundine visited a licenced premises in the regional town, police said.

Travel outside of Sydney, where Mr Mundine lives, is banned under the strict lockdown measures unless people have an exemption…..

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Some public health order rules to follow in regional NSW if you don't want to become a COVIDIOT like Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce. Plus those who chose to be COVIDIOTS and were stopped by NSW Police

 

NSW Police Public Site., Latest News, 28-29 June 2021, excerpts:

Commencing 6pm Saturday (26 June 2021), social distancing and mandatory mask wearing while in non-residential indoor settings became mandatory for regional communities in NSW.

Northern Region police are now urging the public to take responsibility to ensure the safety of others, as residents and visitors travel the region during the school holiday period.

Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna APM, said the public must not be complacent during this time and should comply with current NSW Health guidelines.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those around us, and to do that we have been advised to comply with the guidelines delivered by NSW Health,” Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.

“For the minority of the public who choose to disregard this advice within the Northern Region, police will be there to hold you accountable; be it on the road, at public venues or events…..

The following restrictions now apply to regional areas and will remain in place until midnight on Friday 9 July 2021, unless extended or repealed earlier.

• Visitors to households will be limited to five guests – including children;

• Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;

• Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed;

• Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;

• Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs;

• Dancing will be allowed at weddings, but only for the wedding party (no more than 20 people);

• Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn);

• The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;

• Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50% seated capacity.

Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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A travel company has been issued a $5000 PIN for breaching a public health order after taking three busloads of tourists to a zoo in the state’s west yesterday.

About 9.30am (Monday 28 June 2021), three buses arrived at the zoo on Obley Road, Dubbo.

On board were 128 staff and guests – at least 76 of whom were not permitted to travel outside Greater Sydney under the current public health order.

Staff at the zoo refused to allow the travellers off the buses and police were called.

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District attended and spoke to tour operators, establishing the group had left Sydney last Friday (25 June 2021) and had continued to travel throughout regional NSW after the Public Health Orders were updated on Saturday.

The guests were directed to return home immediately and the tour company has been issued a $5000 PIN.

State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said the company owner told police he was aware of the public health orders but decided to continue the tour as planned anyway.

“But the staff at the zoo did exactly the right thing – they isolated the risk and alerted police. They did a great job to protect the local community,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.

Investigations into further possible breaches are continuing.

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In other incidents, a man and woman have been charged with offences including assault after they allegedly refused to check in with a QR code when entering a restaurant at Forster.

About 7.15pm yesterday (Monday 28 June 2021), the couple attended the Wharf Street restaurant and were asked by staff to sign in using the QR code.

They refused and were informed they would have to leave if they did not comply. It is alleged the man again refused and picked up a bottle of water and threw it against a wall, smashing it.

The man was escorted from the restaurant and it is further alleged the man punched the owner, a 39-year-old man.

The woman allegedly bit a 44-year-old man who was attempting to intervene, causing bleeding and bruising to his bicep.

The owner sustained facial injuries and a suspected broken nose and was taken to Manning Base Hospital.

The man and woman left the restaurant; however, officers from Manning/Great Lakes Police District arrested both a short time later, and took them to Forster Police Station.

The 34-year-old man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray, intimidation and malicious damage.

The 27-year-old woman was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They were granted conditional bail and are expected to appear in Forster Local Court on Wednesday 28 July 2021.

They were each issued $1000 PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.

In total, 34 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 16 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

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Two men are among 44 people issued with PINs for breaching a public health order yesterday, after they had to be rescued from the Royal National Park at Otford.

About 6pm (Sunday 27 June 2021), the men called for assistance after becoming lost in bushland during a visit to a remote beach.

Police Rescue assisted by the State Emergency Service, NSW Ambulance and Polair responded to the area, locating a 30-year-old man naked and carrying a backpack on the walking track near Lady Wakehurst Drive.

After a further search, a 49-year-old man, partially clothed, was also located. The men told police they were on a nearby beach when they ran into bushland after being startled by a deer.

They were taken to St George Police Station and issued $1000 PINs for breaching the current public health order prohibiting those from Greater Sydney travelling outside the region.

In other incidents, a café operator has been charged and is subject to strict bail conditions after being found allegedly breaching the public health order at Shellharbour.

About 9.40am, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District attended a café in Addison Street responding to reports staff were failing to comply with the current public health orders.

When officers arrived, they saw neither the staff or the operator were wearing face masks; the operator was reminded of her obligations under the current health orders but allegedly refused to comply.

The two staff members were warned and complied, putting masks on; however, a 38-year-old woman was arrested. She was taken to Port Kembla Police Station where she was charged with fail to comply with notice direction (not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises), and operator not ensure hospitality workers wear fitted face coverings.

She was given bail conditions to strictly comply with the public health orders and not to incite or encourage others to defy them. She is due to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 21 July 2021.

In a third incident, police stopped a car on the Hume Highway at Goulburn and spoke with the driver, a 33-year-old man from Ermington. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and was directed to immediately return to Sydney.

Police have received hundreds of calls from the public over the weekend reporting potential public health order breaches, and would like to thank the vast majority of the community for their cooperation with the new rules.

In total, 44 $1000 PINs were issued yesterday and of those four $200 infringements were issued for failing to wear a fitted face covering.

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The Guardian, 29 June 2021:

[Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Liberal MP For New England] Barnaby Joyce has been fined $200 for not wearing a mask while paying for petrol at a service station in Armidale after he was dobbed in by a member of the public.

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