Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allan, has issued a public apology after her husband was caught driving under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a fine and a three-month licence suspension.
Premier's Husband Caught in Random Breath Test
The incident occurred on Thursday morning, 19 December 2025, in the city of Bendigo. According to reports, Yorick Piper, 65, was on his way to buy groceries when his vehicle was involved in a minor rear-end collision at an intersection. After exchanging details with the other driver, who indicated they were unharmed, Mr Piper continued his journey.
Shortly afterwards, he was directed into a roadside breath-testing operation set up by Victoria Police. Premier Allan explained that her husband was "quite willing" to submit to the test, which revealed he was over the legal alcohol limit.
Consequences and Public Apology
Victoria Police confirmed that Mr Piper was fined and his driver's licence was cancelled for three months, effective from 16 January. A police spokesperson stated he made his own arrangements to leave his vehicle at the site and departed on foot. The police also noted they had not received any prior report about the minor collision.
Speaking on Friday, Premier Allan expressed that she was "deeply shocked, disappointed and embarrassed" by her husband's actions. She condemned drink-driving as an "incredibly serious issue" and a form of "road trauma." "We recognise that and I am truly sorry," she stated.
Explaining the Circumstances
The Premier provided context for the incident, revealing that the family had celebrated their son's birthday at a pub the previous evening. She added that Mr Piper was taking medication which, when mixed with residual alcohol from the night before, likely contributed to his blood alcohol concentration being over the limit the following morning.
"As a result of the medication mixing with the alcohol from the night before, he simply should not have been driving the following morning," Ms Allan said, according to ABC News. "He understands that, I understand that, and for this we're both truly sorry."
In a move demonstrating their remorse, the Premier and her husband have made a donation of $1,000 (approximately £494) to the Amber Community, a charity that supports people affected by road trauma.
