Victoria's most disadvantaged municipalities, including Central Goldfields Shire, received a higher proportion of COVID-19 fines in the first months of the pandemic than the most advantaged areas in the state.
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The information comes from the interim report of a parliamentary inquiry into the state government's response to the pandemic.
The committee conducting the inquiry heard Victoria Police had issued more than 5600 fines, as of May 17.
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The Federation of Community Legal Centres told the committee of concerns about the impact of such fines in areas with high levels of disadvantage, while the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service said it was worried vulnerable communities would be disproportionately affected by the fines.
"VALS was already assisting clients with COVID19 fines and added that often fines can compound existing disadvantage," the interim report said.
Fifteen fines were issued in Central Goldfields Shire, which ranks as the most socioeconomically disadvantaged local government area in the state.
This meant 0.11 per cent of all residents were penalised for COVID-19 regulation breaches.
Meanwhile, in Nillimbuk - the most advantaged municipality - 0.01 per cent of residents received a fine.
Together, 1.41 per cent of residents of the 10 most disadvantaged municipalities were fined, compared to 0.44 per cent in the 10 most advantaged areas.
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But Macedon Ranges, which sits among the most advantaged municipalities, saw 0.08 per cent of its residents fined.
Loddon is one of the more disadvantaged municipalities, but a slightly smaller proportion of its residents - 0.07 per cent - were penalised.
The report said Victoria Police had adapted its compliance activities since the start of the pandemic.
"The Committee found these changes have taken place in part due to a desire by Victoria Police to ensure their policing was based around compliance and was not heavy handed or disproportionate," the report said.
The committee was told at a May hearing that Victoria Police's deputy commissioner for regional operations at the time was reviewing fines, and had put a system in place whereby officers checked with supervisors before issuing infringements.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
