Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has been fined by NSW Police for failing to wear a mask in a store, breaching public health orders.
NSW Police confirmed that a $200 penalty notice was issued to Joyce on Monday morning for failing to wear a mask in a service station in Armidale. A member of the public in his own electorate had reported the breach of the public health order to Crime Stoppers. Police checked the CCTV cameras to confirm the report, before issuing the fine.
#BREAKING: Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce has been fined $200 for failing to wear a mask. The ABC understands Mr Joyce was spotted by a member of the public at a petrol station in Armidale, and reported for not wearing a mask when he was inside the store.
— Gavin Coote (@GavinCoote) June 29, 2021
“Officers from New England Police District attended a service station at Armidale after receiving a Crime Stoppers report in relation to a possible breach of Public Health Orders at about 8am yesterday,” a statement from police said.
“Inquiries revealed a 54-year-old man was not wearing a face mask while in store. Police spoked with the man before issuing a $200 PIN.”
NSW Police statement on deputy PM Barnaby Joyce copping a $200 fine for not wearing a face mask inside an Armidale petrol station pic.twitter.com/jDmUMtFHFf
— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) June 29, 2021
Speaking to the media, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys confirmed the situation.
“Police were alerted to that – they took some action,” he said.
“That person was apologetic and cooperative with police and an infringement notice was issued.”
Barnaby Joyce was reinstated as Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister last week, rolling Michael McCormack for the Nationals’ leadership. Joyce resigned from the leadership of the Nationals in 2018 after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced against him – he denies the allegations.