A Melbourne business leader has publicly criticised the Victorian Government after being confronted at his workplace by sheriffs demanding payment of a $10,000 fine or facing arrest for an alleged breach of Covid-19 lockdown rules from years earlier.
Workplace Confrontation Over Historical Offence
Kyle Hunt, chief executive of healthcare consulting firm HCPA, described how officers from Fines Victoria entered his office last week with a warrant for his arrest unless he settled the outstanding penalty immediately. The fine related to breaching Melbourne's five-kilometre travel restriction during one of the city's extended pandemic lockdowns.
"I Don't Think a Motorcycle Ride Deserves Prison"
Mr Hunt explained to the Daily Mail that he had originally been stopped during a motorcycle ride where he travelled slightly beyond the permitted radius. "I was stopped by police at the time, had a chat with them, and they actually said I wasn't doing anything bad and let me continue riding," he recalled. "I was issued a fine, but the interaction itself was very relaxed."
The healthcare executive said he felt he had little choice but to pay when confronted with the arrest warrant, quipping that "I don't think a motorcycle ride deserves prison!" He expressed confusion about why enforcement was continuing years after the incident, particularly given reports of other states withdrawing pandemic fines.
Viral Video and Public Backlash
Mr Hunt shared footage of the sheriffs' visit to his office, which has since gained significant attention online. The post attracted hundreds of comments criticising the state government, with many describing the enforcement as "revenue raising" and questioning its priorities years after the pandemic.
One commenter stated: "This is revenue raising because they know you have money. This government is a joke." Another added: "Five years on... you gotta be kidding me." A third questioned: "Omg I thought these were all retracted? This is crazy. Why doesn't our government focus on the high crime rate instead of trying to fine and catch innocent people?"
Financial Escalation of Original Penalty
It is understood that Mr Hunt was initially fined $5,000 for the lockdown breach, but late fees and accumulated interest increased the total amount to just under $10,000 by the time enforcement action was taken. This substantial escalation has raised further questions about the proportionality of the response to a historical offence.
Diverging Approaches Across Australian States
The case highlights significant differences in how Australian states are handling pandemic-era fines. New South Wales has withdrawn and repaid more than 23,000 Covid-related fines, while the Queensland Government has written off up to $4 million worth of similar penalties.
However, Victoria maintains that its fines remain fully enforceable. According to Victoria's Legal Aid website, pandemic orders "had to be followed, the same as laws" and ignoring fines can lead to increased penalties and "other serious consequences."
Calls for Consistency and Clarity
Mr Hunt suggested that many Victorians are confused by the continuing enforcement, particularly when other states have taken different approaches. "The rules changed constantly during lockdowns, enforcement varied, and years later people are still being chased for things that happened in a very stressful and uncertain time," he observed.
"It feels a bit disconnected from where we're at now. If other states are waiving Covid fines, I think it's reasonable for Victoria to at least have the conversation. I imagine a lot of people would welcome clarity, especially those who did the right thing and paid because they thought they had to."
Ongoing Enforcement in Victoria
Victorian authorities continue to pursue approximately 20,000 unpaid Covid fines, representing a total value of up to $30 million. This substantial enforcement effort contrasts with approaches taken in neighbouring states and continues to generate public debate about the appropriateness of pursuing historical pandemic offences.
The Daily Mail has contacted Fines Victoria for comment regarding their ongoing enforcement of pandemic-era penalties and the specific circumstances of Mr Hunt's case.
