Bellarine MP Lisa Neville takes leave of absence amid health battle

Veteran Bellarine MP and police minister Lisa Neville will take a three month leave of absence from politics as she fights an ongoing health battle.

Veteran Bellarine MP and police minister Lisa Neville will take a three month leave of absence from politics as she fights an ongoing health battle.

The senior Labor minister has revealed further details about her shock hospitalisation last week, saying she is being treated for complications linked to Crohn’s disease.

In a statement released on Saturday, Ms Neville confirmed she had lived with the auto-immune disease for 32 years but had recently experienced a related medical episode.

“Over the past few months I had been managing the most recent episode from home, however my condition progressively worsened and required hospitalisation last week. I remain in hospital currently,” Ms Neville said.

“Through the course of the past week in hospital the seriousness of these complications and the impact on my health has become more evident.”

Ms Neville said following extensive treatment she had been told by medical experts that she must take time off to avoid risking long term consequences that could impact the quality and length of her life.

“Following extensive treatment this week, and after consultation with health professionals who have formed the view I cannot return to work as planned, I will be taking a leave of absence for three months for further treatment and recovery,” Ms Neville said.

Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed Ms Neville’s leave of absence.

For the next three months Housing Minister Richard Wynne will be the acting Minister for Water, while Essendon MP Danny Pearson has been appointed as the acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services.

He will also have oversight of COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria.

Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney will act as the duty member for the seat of Bellarine.

Mr Andrews said Ms Neville was “high valuable, relentlessly dedicated” minister.

Ms Neville, who has an adult son, has represented Bellarine in parliament since 2002.

“She has our full support in taking the time to focus on her recovery, and we look forward to welcoming her back as soon as her health allows,” he said.

Ms Neville said she “loved her job” and was committed to returning to serve the community.

“I love my job and remain passionately committed to it. Across the portfolios of Water and Police and Emergency Services I have had the honour of working with dedicated individuals who serve and protect the interests of the Victorian community,” she said.

“My love for the community of the Bellarine Peninsula and working hard to deliver for all of

my constituents remains as strong as it was when I was first elected.”

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Originally published as Bellarine MP Lisa Neville takes leave of absence amid health battle