General News
27 April, 2020
Residents asked to report COVID-19 breaches
Queenslanders can now report Covid-19 compliance breaches online following the launch of a new Policelink reporting form.
Queenslanders can now report Covid-19 compliance breaches online following the launch of a new Policelink reporting form.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has set-up an online form to allow people to easily report breaches of the Chief Health Officer’s (CHO) public health directions from their computer or smart phone during the COVID-19 crisis.
State Disaster Coordinator Steve Gollschewski said the community response to the unprecedented measures to reduce the spread of the virus had been very positive.
“The vast majority of Queenslanders recognise the importance of following the public health directions and doing the right thing to keep everyone safe,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“We will continue to educate and show compassion when dealing with the public, however, we can take enforcement action if necessary to ensure we are limiting the spread of the virus.
“We encourage members of the public to use the online form to report any blatant breach of the Chief Health Officer’s public health directions.
“This includes large gatherings such as house parties and events where people are ignoring social-distancing rules.”
Deputy Gollschewski said police would take follow-up action when complaints were received through the online form.
“To date, we have received a lot of information from the public and we will continue to work with our community to keep everyone safe,” he said.
“The reason why Queensland is achieving promising outcomes is because of what measures we have put in place, not in spite of them, so this is not the time to be complacent.”
The announcement comes after Tabeleands police issued 7 infringements to people over the Easter long weekend for travelling when not essential and for holding parties.
5 fines were issued to people who were drinking and playing cards at Lake Eacham, 2 were issued to homeowners who where having a party at Ravenshoe and another fine was issued to a person who wanted to camp the night at Tinaroo.
Over the same weekend, Doomadgee police also arrested and charged two men and a woman with breaches of Biosecurity Act.
The QPS has issued more than 1,400 infringement notices for breaches of the public health directions.
The online form is located www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting under the COVID-19 breach tab.
