Supermarkets Facing Multi-Billion Dollar Fines For Code Of Conduct Breaches

BY JACK SEYMOUR

Hunter shoppers and farmers could see fairer prices on supermarket shelves.

An independent review has found supermarket giants with an annual revenue of more than $5 billion should face heavy fines for failing to meet a mandatory code of conduct.

All 11 recommendations of the probe have the backing of the Federal Government, in an effort to increase competition in the grocery sector.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says the proposal is a step towards ensuring farmers and shoppers are better protected.

"Some of these rules will make sure farmers are treated properly and will make sure we get a good price for those who produce our food, as well as making sure we have good prices for those who buy our food."

Hunter teens have $200,000 in unpaid fines, according to new report

BY SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

According to data from Revenue NSW, Hunter residents under the age of 18 owe more than $200,000 in unpaid fines.

Researchers out of the University of Newcastle have been studying the trend, and say many young people are showing signs of financial stress including skipping meals and making late payments on bills.

Research has also found, many are turning to credit options to pay fines and bills leading to interest costs and further financial stress.

Senior Sociology Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Dr. Julia Cook says most fines owed by those under 18 are transport fines for travelling without a valid ticket and believes most are likely not paying because they can't afford it.

"They may get a fine but also through that process they may become known to the transport officers and that means they may be likely to get picked up on that again and that can be a bit of a cycle," Dr. Cook said.

Dr. Cook also pointed out there is an assumption, parents will be able to pay fines if children cannot afford it, but said this is not always a case, especially amid the current cost of living crisis.

"Young people can have issues getting their L plates and their P plates; if they have outstanding fines that can be a roadblock to getting those sorts of things that young people are not always aware of. Particularly for young people who live in areas that may not have great public transport or if they have started a trade and they really need to be able to drive or just to have employment, it can be a real roadblock to their goals," Dr. Cook said.

Dr. Cook also said there are alternative methods of payments for fines which should utilised by young people struggling to pay fines, such as requesting a Work and Development Order where, through work, study, or financial counselling, you can get your fines reduced.

Work and Development Orders can be carried out at places such as PCYC and the University of Newcastle, among others.

"I think we need to look at why these people are accruing fines. If people are taking public transport and aren't paying their fare I don't think they should necessarily be receiving a fine for that. I think there needs to be some kind of further examination because even when people are on a low income they still need to be able to access essential services," Dr. Cook said.

EXCLUSIVE! Nelson Bay Man Fined $10K For Breaching Health Orders Twice On Same Day

BY IAN CROUCH

A Nelson Bay man has been slapped with $10,000 in fines for breaching the COVID Public Health orders.

Health officials advised the 29-year-old on Wednesday he had tested positive to Coronavirus and Police attended his Donald Street home on Thursday morning for a compliance check.

Police say 10 minutes after they departed a neighbour reported the man had left his home - he was found out-and-about about 90 minutes later and handed a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice.

It's further alleged he left his home again after returning there and was issued a second $5000 fine when patrolling police spotted him at about 3.30pm.

Police have considered seeking a Section 62 order from NSW Health to have the man placed under guard in hotel quarantine.

However, Police carried out a subsequent compliance check and found he was self-isolating. 

Sydney Arborists Hit With $30K In Fines Over COVID-19 Health Breaches

BY IAN CROUCH

A group of arborists have been hit with more than $30,000 in fines for breaching Public Health Orders in the Lake Macquarie area.

Inquiries revealed the group had been canvassing for business in the area on Wednesday and had been travelling to and from Greater Sydney.

It's alleged the 27-year-old owner of the business obtained a permit to enter Regional NSW based on untrue and inaccurate information, while the 25-year-old co-owner of the business did not have a permit.

Police say other employees did not have a COVID-19 test prior to leaving Greater Sydney as required by the Public Health Order.

As a result, police issued seven men – aged between 25 and 61 – PINs totaling $33,000 for the offences of:

* Leave Greater Sydney for prescribed purposes without a permit

* Fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s 7/8/9 – COVID-19

* Not comply with requirements for testing – workers leaving Greater Sydney

* Not ensure true and accurate information provided to Service NSW

All seven men were directed to return to their homes in Greater Sydney.

Police say investigations into other reports from the community are ongoing.

A separate investigation is under way after another Sydney company sent tree loppers to the region, going door-to-door looking for work from mid to late August. Several of the workers subsequently tested positive to COVID-19.

"FineMania" Hits Newcastle

BY OLIVIA DILLON

New data revealed by the State Opposition shows fines issued to motorists in Newcastle from mobile speed cameras have increased 11-fold since warning signs were removed last year.

The data is broken down according to the residential postcodes of drivers and compares January, February and March 2021, after warning signs were removed, to the same months in 2020, when warning signs were still in place. 

The data indicates suburbs within the 2299 postcode suffered the biggest surge, with 122 fines being handed out in the first three months of the year, compared to just five fines given during the same period the year before. This represents a 2340 per cent increase. 

Whole-of state data reveals the increase is also replicated throughout NSW.

State member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp gained access to the numbers through the NSW Upper House and is now accusing the government of revenue raising. 

Crakanthorp noted the figures from February 2021, in which the revenue from 28,000 fines totalled $6.1 million. This amounts to more than the entire 2019/20 financial year, which brought in $5.7 million. 

"I think we all expected to see some kind of rise when the warning signs were removed, but it has gone into absolute overdrive," he said. 

"When we see numbers like this it's hard not to believe that it isn't the Government revenue raising."

"The NRMA was completely opposed to the removal of warning signs because signs educate drivers and make them change their behaviour in real time, rather than when they receive a fine in the mail a few weeks later.

It's unpopular with drivers, unpopular with the NRMA and even the Nationals have spoken out against it, but I'm sure this move was very popular with the Treasurer."

In response to the exponential rise in fines, the NSW Parliament has launched an inquiry into the changes.  

State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp