Jail time for COVID-19 rule breakers in South Australia

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SA Government to impose a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment for those who defy COVID-19 rules Source: AAP

People who breach any coronavirus restrictions could be jailed for up to two years, under a new proposed legislation in South Australia.

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Published 24 July 2020 10:27am

Updated 15 August 2022 2:09pm

By Norma Hennessy, Claudette Centeno

Source: SBS

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People who breach any coronavirus restrictions could be jailed for up to two years, under a new proposed legislation in South Australia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman introduced a bill that will allow a maximum two-year sentence for any breach of the commissioner's directions during the pandemic
People who breach the current laws, such as by entering South Australia from Victoria when not a local or essential traveller, face either an on-the-spot fine of $1,000 or a possible penalty imposed by a court of $20,000
The bill will also allow pharmacists to conduct COVID-19 tests and the state government to charge $3,000 for returning international travellers to stay at hotels while in quarantine

“The safety of South Australians is our utmost priority and we hope the addition of a term of imprisonment will deter anyone thinking about crossing the border illegally and putting our state at risk.”

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said that after discussions with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, the government would strengthen the penalty for a breach of the Act.