ABC NEWS

LNP frontbencher Trevor Watts stands down after breaching coronavirus public gathering restrictions

ABC NEWS logo ABC NEWS 28/04/2020 11:21:00 By state political reporter Allyson Horn
Trevor Watts wearing glasses and smiling at the camera: Trevor Watts has quit the Opposition front bench after attending an illegal gathering. (Facebook: Trevor Watts) © Provided by ABC HealthTrevor Watts has quit the Opposition front bench after attending an illegal gathering. (Facebook: Trevor Watts)

Queensland Liberal National MP Trevor Watts has stepped down as shadow police minister after being fined for illegally attending a gathering and breaching strict coronavirus restrictions.

Mr Watts, the Member for Toowoomba North, was fined more than $1,300 for attending the function on Saturday.

Queensland Police has not provided details of the event, but Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said she had accepted Mr Watts' resignation as the Opposition spokesman for police, counter-terrorism and corrective services.

"I expect the highest standards from my team, especially my shadow ministers," she said.

"I want to thank Trevor for his shadow ministerial service and his honesty in advising me of this issue."

Earlier this month, Mr Watts had posted a tweet saying "home is the only place to be".

Police across the state have been targeting residents flouting the public health directions, that include restrictions on large gatherings and events where people aren't adhering to social-distancing rules.

Individuals face a fine of $1,334 for breaching the COVID-19 directions. 

As of Monday, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) had issued more than 1,400 infringement notices for breaches.

QPS said two police officers had each been fined $1,334 for attending an illegal outdoor gathering in East Toowoomba on Sunday afternoon, a day after the event attended by Mr Watts.

Mr Watts had not responded to the ABC's calls. 

The Government was also contacted for comment.

Dan Purdie, the LNP Member for Ninderry, will take over from Mr Watts as Opposition police spokesman.

mardi 28 avril 2020 14:21:00

ShareButton
ShareButton
ShareButton
  • RSS

Suomi sisu kantaa
NorpaNet Beta 1.1.0.18818 - Firebird 5.0 LI-V6.3.2.1497

TetraSys Oy.

TetraSys Oy.