MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster is starting 14 days’ isolation in Sunraysia before returning to Federal Parliament later this month.
Dr Webster said on Friday advice from the Commonwealth Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly was Victorian MPs travelling from the state to the August 24 sitting in Canberra must self-quarantine either in Canberra or at home for two weeks before as a coronavirus precaution.
Dr Webster said representing the electorate in Canberra was an important part of her role, so she would take on that advice even as some West Australian and South Australian MPs raised concerns about Victorian MPs attending.
“Given the stage 3 lockdown currently imposed on regional Victoria stopping face-to-face meetings, I have made the decision that for this upcoming sitting I will self-quarantine,” Dr Webster said.
“Technology means I have great options for communicating with constituents, stakeholders and my staff across the electorate and will be able to continue to have meetings and represent the important needs of Mallee and the Wimmera.”
Federal Treasurer and Member for Kooyong Josh Frydenberg and Health Minister and Member for Flinders Greg Hunt are among other MPs who will self-isolate for 14 days before the sitting.
The extraordinary requirements of MPs from Victoria to travel to the nation’s capital are outlined in a letter from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to the Speaker and the Senate President, warning the risk of MPs and their staff bringing the virus to Canberra was significant.
Some Victorian MPs may also wear masks in parliament, even when they have completed the fortnight of isolation.
Cupper asks for remote vote
MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper is pushing for regional MPs to take part in parliamentary votes without attending State Parliament in Spring Street.
Ms Cupper said it was important regional electorates were still heard, even if they cannot attend.
Victorian Parliament is postponed until at least next month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What I have been asking more than one decision-maker has been for the ability for at least regional MPs to vote remotely,” Ms Cupper said.
“It’s one thing if you are part of a political party, because you can shave back your numbers and still have your party represented there.
“But if you are an independent, if you are not there then your electorate isn’t represented.”
Ms Cupper said even if parliament were to sit, she would need to assess the risk of going to Melbourne in the current circumstances, particularly in a crowded chamber.
“You are still sharing elevators, dining rooms, bathrooms, so that’s the thing for me, I have to be so cautious.
“That’s the bind I’m in, and I’ve been told at this point in time it’s not going to be a matter of having the casting vote but my response is that’s not the point — this is a matter of principle that my electorate should always be able to participate safely in democracy.”
Ms Cupper said she was looking forward to getting back to parliament, although understood that could be some time.
