An Australian minister has resigned after breaching the country’s ban on non-essential travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Don Harwin, the New South Wales arts minister, was caught relocating to his holiday home on the Central Coast and subsequently fined 1000 Australian dollars (£508), with NSW Police commissioner Mick Fuller saying that no-one was above the law.

The politician argued he had travelled to his second home before the imposition of the nationwide travel ban, but has since announced his resignation.

“Today I have offered my resignation to the Premier as a Minister in her government,” he said in a statement on Friday.

“There is nothing more important than the work of the Government in fighting the coronavirus crisis.

“I will not allow my circumstances to be a distraction from that work and I very much regret that my residential arrangements have become an issue during this time.

“At all times I have sought to act in accordance with public health orders and I sought advice that my living arrangements complied with those orders.”

Mr Harwin said he remained “confident” he had acted in accordance with those orders.

“I know however that perception is just as important during these times,” he added.

“The Premier and her team are doing an outstanding job during the biggest crisis our state and nation have faced during our lifetimes.

“It is absolutely vital they should be able to focus entirely on the health and economic issues facing our community.”

Loading....

NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian later announced that she had accepted the resignation, while praising the public for their “sacrifices” amid the nationwide lockdown.

“During this health crisis, my government has asked the community to make greater sacrifices than all of us have ever had to make before,” she said.

“These sacrifices are saving lives, and I am proud of the people of NSW for continuing to uphold the law in the interest of the public health.”

She added: “Whilst Minister Harwin has served the people of NSW well, and he continues to assure me that he did not break the rules, the orders in place apply equally to everybody.

“Accordingly, Minister Harwin has appropriately resigned from cabinet.”