Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce fined for not wearing a mask in public

Barnaby Joyce has been fined for failing to wear a mask while paying for petrol.
Barnaby Joyce has been fined for failing to wear a mask while paying for petrol. Photo credit: Reuters

Barnaby Joyce has been fined for failing to wear a mask while paying for petrol in New South Wales (NSW).

The Nationals leader was caught not wearing a mask at a petrol station in Armidale, Northern Tablelands on Tuesday according to 9 News.

Face masks are currently mandatory in all non-residential indoor venues across the entire state as the current COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow.

Joyce was reportedly inside the petrol station for less than a minute when a member of the public reported him to CrimeStoppers for breaching the state's mask rules.

NSW police said CCTV footage was checked and a 54-year-old man was issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice for not wearing a fitted face covering while indoors.

"Police were alerted to an incident at Armidale yesterday, at a service station where a man in his 50s filled up his motor vehicle then went inside to pay," Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys confirmed to 9 News.

"That person was apologetic and cooperative with police and an infringement notice was issued."

Joyce has been issued an AU$200 fine.