Peter Dutton trapped in Queensland amid lockdown

Defence Minister Peter Dutton will not attend parliament for the upcoming sitting weeks due to being exposed to a school in the Queensland outbreak.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton will not attend parliament for the upcoming sitting weeks due to being trapped in Queensland amid the state’s extended lockdown.

Mr Dutton’s sons attend one of the schools subject to a Queensland Health alert, and as a household member, he is subject to the 14-day quarantine rule.

The Defence Minister usually operates as the leader of the house during parliament. In Mr Dutton’s absence, this duty will be transferred to Industry Minister Christian Porter.

The leader of the house is responsible for managing government business in the House of Representatives, including the order of the government's' agenda, negotiation with the manager of opposition business in the house, and the order and time in which bills are to be debated.

Industry Minister Christian Porter will take over Mr Dutton’s duties as leader of the house. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Dutton has indicated he will quarantine at home with his family and will continue to take part in meetings remotely.

He will also continue to perform his duties remotely as defence minister.

Mr Dutton lives in the South East Queensland town of Dayboro in his home electorate of Dickson with his wife and two sons.

Having previously had Covid-19 and being fully vaccinated, Mr Dutton confirmed he tested negative for the virus on Monday morning.

Despite this, he is still subject to the 14-day quarantine rule.

Queensland reported 13 new community cases on Monday, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 66.

As a result, the state’s lockdown, which was originally meant to end on Tuesday, has now been extended until 4pm on Sunday.

Having previously had Covid-19 and being fully vaccinated, Mr Dutton confirmed he tested negative for the virus on Monday morning. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Originally published as Peter Dutton trapped in Queensland amid lockdown