The Twitteratti have been in a tizz since Wednesday when a busybody got a shot of Tony Abbott, sans mask, talking to a mate at Manly before going surfing.

The same mob again gurgling and giggling with delight with the news today that the former PM has copped a $500 fine.

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard, whose bombastic buffoonery was exposed in these pages just last week, has sounded as stupid as ever commenting on the matters.

And Abbott? Here’s what he’s had to say:

I just want to say two things. First, I believe that I was well within the law, reasonably interpreted. But I am not going to challenge the fine because I am not going to waste police time.

Second, I never thought dobbing and snitching was part of the Australian character. I think as soon as we can leave this health police state mindset behind us, the better for everyone.

That last par – that last sentence, in particular. Amen.