Acting Senior Sergeant Julie-Anne Newman confirmed on Tuesday morning that the police investigation into the illegal engagement party held at Caulfield North, Melbourne on August 11 had finished.
“Victoria Police is satisfied all guests have been accounted for and the investigation has now concluded,” she said.
More than $300,000 worth of fines has been issued. 56 out of the 69 attendees were fined $5452 each while the remaining 13 were children and, hence, not penalized.
THE PARTY THAT MADE HEADLINES
The engagement party was held in breach of the rules of Melbourne’s sixth lockdown where people are not allowed to gather in private homes.
The party had caused a public reaction after a video of the event was posted online which showed attendees mocking the lockdown restrictions.
“Clearly this is legal, this is a group therapy session, that’s why my father is here,” The groom-to-be joked as the room full of maskless guests soaked up the speech.
Other guests made comments such as “he’s a mental health clinician” or “the doctor’s here” which other guests found amusing.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is investigating the claims that two doctors were allegedly present at the engagement party.
About 10 people at the party also later tested positive for COVID-19. This meant that all guests had to undergo 14 days of quarantine.
The vision triggered an angry response from Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews, who tightened restrictions and reimposed a curfew as a result.
“The thing that makes me angriest is that that event, that sort of conduct and some of the behavior we’ve seen over the weekend is it takes away and it devalues the amazing work that millions and millions of Victorians are doing,” he said.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton described the behavior as “selfish” and “absolutely outrageous”.
FIVE REASONS
Unless it is with their intimate partner, Victorians are prohibited from inviting guests over. The only five reasons Victorians are allowed to leave their homes is as follows:
- Getting the food and the supplies you need
- Exercising for up to two hours
- Care or caregiving
- Authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home
- To get vaccinated at the nearest possible location
