QLD Shadow Police Minister & Two Senior Cops Fined $4k For Flouting Lockdown Restrictions

Queensland’s Shadow Police Minister and two senior officers have been collectively fined over $4,000 for flouting social distancing regulations after they were caught having drinks at a block party this past weekend.

Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts, as well as a QLD Police sergeant and senior constable, were all slapped with $1,334 fines for ignoring the state’s tough lockdown restrictions which ban gatherings larger than two people.

On Wednesday, Watts resigned from his position in the state’s shadow cabinet.

“At the time, I did not consider my actions were in breach of the rules,” he said in a statement.

“My actions demonstrated a momentary lack of judgment and I regret them deeply.”

Just over a week earlier, he had urged people on Facebook to “remain vigilant and stay at home wherever possible to protect each other.”

Watts and the police officers were having drinks with neighbours, but because they weren’t behind their letterboxes, it was considered to be a single public gathering.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carrol said the off-duty officers would be among those charged with attending the unlawful gathering

“Police will allege the outdoor gathering was in fact a street party,” she said.

“People at the end of a cul-de-sac are sitting together… up to 15 people.

“I anticipate as a result of that that further infringement notices will be issued.”

Queensland Police are still on the lookout for 12 more people believed to have attended the Sunday afternoon gathering.

The news comes as police around the country have been accused of being heavy-handed when dishing out fines for breaching lockdown restrictions.

While this marks the first time police officers have been fined during lockdown, it’s not the first time a politician has been caught flouting the rules. That accolade goes to NSW’s former Arts Minister Don Harwin.

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