Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters will spend the coming two weeks in self-isolation in Canberra, in order to attend the next sitting of Federal Parliament.
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Victorian MPs and senators can apply for an exemption to allow them to travel to the ACT, which has closed its borders to Victorians, but they must undertake a two-week quarantine immediately before or after their arrival.
Federal Parliament resumes on August 24.
Until that time Ms Chesters will be isolating in her Canberra apartment, where she lives when Parliament is sitting. She will travel to Canberra on Sunday night.
"Like many locals, I'm not looking forward to the next fortnight of iso but it's what's required," Ms Chesters said.
"Right now hundreds of households across the region are also in self-isolation.
"We're all in this together. Now more than ever we need to be our best selves and do what's needed to stop the spread of COVID-19."
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Federal acting chief medical officer Professor Paul Kelly proposed the isolation period, saying travelling MPs posed a risk to ACT residents.
"It also presents a significant risk for members and senators and their staff from other jurisdictions, with the possibility of seeding into other jurisdictions," Professor Kelly wrote to the prime minister last week.
The ACT has no active COVID-19 cases.
Professor Kelly advised a strict 14-day quarantine period was required, preferably after arrival in the ACT, although it could also happen in Victoria under strict conditions.
No one in the household is allowed to leave the home, nor is anyone allowed to visit, during the period of quarantine.
Professor Kelly said a test should also be undertaken on day 12 of quarantine.
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Labor leader Anthony Albanese has also suggested a system whereby members could participate in Parliament by video link if they wanted to speak on legislation, ask questions or answer questions.
Ms Chesters said that while she would be working remotely, she and her office were available to assist constituents with federal issues.
In May, a revised sitting calendar had Parliament resuming on August 4.
But when COVID-19 cases began to escalate again, House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith and President of the Senate Scott Ryan informed MPs and senators it would not resume until August 24.
- With AAP
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
