Disadvantaged communities received more COVID-19 fines: inquiry

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.

More COVID-19 news: Ten new coronavirus cases in central Victoria

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.

More COVID-19 news: Don KR and Hazeldene's cooperate with meatworks changes

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.

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.