Young woman fined $4000 for 'lying' about trip to Sydney hotspot
Queensland Police have handed a 25-year-old woman a $4000 fine for failing to disclose she had visited a NSW coronavirus hotspot while crossing the border.
The woman was travelling with a 53-year-old man in a car with Queensland registration plates when the two attended the Miles Street checkpoint, providing a Queensland Declaration Border pass.
The pass stated the two had not visited a known hotspot in NSW.
Police at the checkpoint believed the two were “acting suspiciously” and were questioned further about their movements.
In a statement, Queensland Police alleged “differing versions” were given to police at the checkpoint after further questioning.
In a video released by Queensland Police, an officer is seen questioning the male and female, while their responses are censored.
Police further allege the woman had recently visited Campbelltown and the man was from Fairfield.
Earlier this month, after an outbreak in Sydney’s south, Campbelltown City was declared a hotspot by Queensland, along with Liverpool City.
On July 23, Fairfield City was also declared a ‘hotspot’ by Queensland.
Anyone who enters Queensland and has come from a ‘hotspot’ will quarantine in the state at a hotel, at their own expense.
The woman was issued a $4003 fine and was turned away at the border, however police took the man into custody as it was established he was wanted on unrelated criminal matters in NSW.
“If you are coming into Queensland, even with a valid Border Declaration pass, you stand a very good chance of being intercepted and questioned by police,” Chief Superintendent Wheeler said in a statement.
“We make no apologies for our vigilance and scrutiny as this is about keeping Queensland safe from the threat of COVID-19.”
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