NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro's daughter fined for Covid breach by NSW not ACT

Domenica Barilaro was issued a $1000 fine by NSW Police after it was alleged she travelled from regional NSW to Sydney, then to the ACT, before returning to her home in regional NSW on July 9.

Ms Barilaro breached health directives a second time when she travelled to Canberra again the following Sunday. She was then photographed celebrating Italy's win at the Kingston Foreshore with friends on Monday, July 12.

ACT Policing cautioned Ms Barilaro on July 12 after NSW Police alerted them to the fact they had issued her an infringement that day for her travel between Sydney and regional NSW the week prior.

An ACT Policing spokeswoman said officers spoke with Ms Barilaro and were satisfied while she had been in the ACT for a short period, she now properly understood the current restrictions on travel.

"No infringement was issued and ACT Policing considers this matter finalised," the spokeswoman said.

ACT Policing said their decision not to fine tMs Barilaro was in line with their current approach to policing Covid breaches.

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ACT Policing said its approach was "educative" unless an individual had knowingly flouted the rules.

"ACT Policing's focus is not on arresting or fining people but assisting in educating them where possible," the spokeswoman said.

"Police officers have discretion when enforcing laws and will apply considered judgement to each situation or interaction with people who may not be complying with COVID-19 restrictions.

"The community is largely doing the right thing and we should continue to support each other through this difficult time.

"Where there are flagrant breaches, ACT Policing will issue fines as has been shown by the following examples where people were either denied entry and still chose to come to the ACT or were provided an opportunity to comply but did not."

The police spokeswoman pointed to several examples of this, including an incident this week in which 13 students were each issued with $1000 fines after being rejected for exemption to enter the ACT and deciding to do so anyway.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said Ms Barilaro was "very helpful and apologetic to police" after being fined for moving between the Barilaros' house in Jerrabomberra and apartment in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.

Ms Barilaro reportedly moved in with her dad in Sydney last year, when the pandemic forced the closure of her university. She is believed to now be studying at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Mr Barilaro was also questioned over Covid breaches in 2020, following a decision to travel almost two hours from his home in Queanbeyan to his family farm at Nerriga.

Following an investigation, NSW Police went on to rule the leader of the NSW Nationals had not breached coronavirus restrictions by making the trip to his Southern Tablelands farm.

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