Watch out! This type of Facebook post could cost you $11,000
The State Opposition has called for harsher, targeted public health orders to crack down on anti-lockdown rally organisers and viral social media spruikers.
These tough new measures include $11,000 fines for people sharing information on social media about illegal rallies and inciting others to attend.
As well, protest organisers would be fined $20,000 and unlawful attendees would be fined $5,500 which is an increase from the current $1000 penalty.
Shadow Police Minister, Walt Secord, said these fines would be a deterrent for those spreading anti-vax sentiments and other incorrect information: “We should throw the book at these idiots who spread misinformation and lies along with the Delta variant,” he said.
Police Commissioner calls them “anarchists”
These new measures come after Police Commissioner, Mick Fuller, warned about “online chatter” on a possible second protest this Saturday. Commissioner Fuller described the organisers as “anarchists” who would not respond to court injunctions.
Because of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, fines for not wearing a mask have more than doubled - increasing from $200 to $500.
The NSW government has reported there will be thousands of extra officers hitting the streets across Greater Sydney to enforce these tighter controls, as they continue to deal with the growing outbreak.
Police have also been handed greater powers to close down business, construction sites and other premises which are not complying with the current health orders.