Kate Ritchie apologised in an Instagram statement after a drink-driving incident in Sydney in August 2022, saying she had made a “poor decision” and understood its seriousness. PerthNow reported on 29 August 2022 that she received a $600 fine and a three-month licence suspension.
What Kate Ritchie said in her apology
In the Instagram statement reproduced by PerthNow, Ritchie wrote: “Recently I undertook a random breath test. Although it was low level, the test came back positive. I made a poor decision and there is no doubt I understand the seriousness of my actions. I am truly sorry.”
The apology acknowledged both the positive test and the seriousness of her actions. The statement is quoted here as PerthNow reproduced it; the available account does not independently authenticate the original Instagram post. PerthNow’s report, published 29 August 2022, is the source for the statement.
What PerthNow reported about the incident and penalty
PerthNow reported that the incident occurred the previous week, while Ritchie was travelling in Sydney’s southern suburbs. The outlet said she returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.06 per cent, was fined $600 and had her licence suspended for three months. These are the news report’s figures; they are not independently confirmed here against a court record or another primary case document.
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How the reported reading relates to NSW’s low-range category
NSW Government guidance defines low-range prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) as a blood alcohol concentration from 0.05 to 0.079. On that scale, the 0.06 per cent reading PerthNow reported falls within the low-range band. That classification does not make the conduct harmless: Ritchie’s statement itself acknowledged the seriousness of the decision.
The NSW Government’s current penalty guidance lists a $722 penalty notice fine for a first low-range offence. That is current general guidance, not evidence of the amount imposed in Ritchie’s reported 2022 case; PerthNow reported $600 for her fine. NSW Government: drink-driving penalties.
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What the reported suspension means in general
Legal Aid NSW says a person given an immediate licence suspension must not drive during that suspension. It also explains that a fine can be taken to court and advises getting legal advice before doing so. This is general legal information, not advice about Ritchie’s circumstances or an account of any action she took. Legal Aid NSW: drink-driving.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is and is not established about the case
The available account establishes what PerthNow reported in August 2022 and the apology it reproduced. It does not establish later developments in Ritchie’s case or independently verify the reported reading, fine and suspension against an official case record.
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