Australian Court Reverses Millions in COVID-19 Fines

Around 36,600 fines being withdrawn.

Mounted Police patrol at Bondi Beach as part of public health order compliance operations in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 15, 2021. Getty Images

More than $36 million (US$24.5 million) in COVID-19 infringements were withdrawn this year by the New South Wales (NSW) fines commissioner following a landmark Supreme Court ruling.

Thousands of fines were issued by NSW Police to members of the public who allegedly contravened health orders during the pandemic lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.