Tasmanian independent Clark MP Andrew Wilkie will not fly to Canberra for the next parliamentary fortnight

A high-profile Tasmanian MP has declared he will not attend federal parliament sittings in Canberra over the next fortnight, citing the possible health implications the trip could have on Tasmania.

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INDEPENDENT MP Andrew Wilkie will not fly to Canberra for the next two parliamentary sitting weeks, citing the health risks the trip could place on Tasmania.

Mr Wilkie said Tasmanian State Controller Darren Hine this week revoked essential traveller status for federal parliamentarians in light of Victoria’s second COVID-19 wave.

The member for Clark said rather than attending the sitting fortnight commencing on Monday, he would trial “whatever remote working arrangements are available to me”.

“The State Controller’s direction is consistent with the fact that Sydney has been declared a coronavirus hotspot by NSW Health, and that the Queensland Government has declared all of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory a coronavirus hotspot,” he said.

Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“In these circumstances successfully applying for Essential Traveller status, and not

voluntarily quarantining properly on return from Canberra, would be dangerous and

inconsistent with the community’s expectations.

“Whereas, not having Essential Traveller status, and therefore undertaking mandatory

quarantine for 14 days afterwards, would prevent me undertaking my electorate duties.”

Mr Wilkie said he would reassess whether to attend future parliament sittings “on their merit”.

He said he needed to be “even more careful” because his wife is a doctor working in the COVID-19 respiratory clinic.