Thousands of NSW children have been on the receiving end of massive fines over the past year for breaching Covid-19 restrictions.
NSW Police data obtained by Redfern Legal Centre (RLC) via the access to information laws, show that since July 1, 2020, 2920 Covid-related fines were issued to children between the ages of 10 to 17.
The majority of the penalties ranges from $1000 up to $5000 each, with the total amount adding up to more than $2.1 million.
The biggest fines came from failing to comply with self-isolation directions, with 17 minors handed a $5000 on-the-spot fine for breaching this rule.
Between July 1, 2020 and November 10, 2021, there were 39 children issued $3000 fines for various offences, including unlawfully participating in outdoor gatherings in areas of concern or in an areas that were under stay-at-home orders.
More than 1600 children were issued with a $1000 fine, for offences such as not producing evidence of vaccination on request, not complying with curfews in areas of concern and travelling outside of the Sydney metropolitan area.
In response to the fines, Redfern Legal Centre, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre are calling on the NSW government to revoke the fines and issue warnings instead.
Read more: Thousands of children hit with $1000-$5000 Covid-19 fines
