Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson's morning was plunged into chaos after she received a call at 7am informing her Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall had tested positive to COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Marshall was at NSW Parliament on Tuesday, after his contact with a COVID case, but before he was notified of the contact on Wednesday morning.
Just 20 Members of Parliament were chosen to sit to pass the NSW Budget - as opposition whip it was Ms Watson's job to call her fellow MPs and tell them not to come in.
"Some were already travelling, some were already here and had to be told to go home, staff had to be sent home - it was chaotic, but we got through it," Ms Watson said.
The remaining MPs - ten from each side - underwent a rapid COVID-19 test.
"It does feel surreal," Ms Watson said.
"Dr Kerry Chant advised because (Adam Marshall's) infection was less than 24 hours the risk is low, but we can't be blase."
The rise in cases in NSW is a reminder that COVID-19 "is not going away," Ms Watson said.
"It's not going to be back to normal for a while, and that's really difficult for a lot of people," she said.
Member for Keira, Ryan Park and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully were selected to sit today.
Mr Scully said Labor leader Chris Minns' would delay his Budget reply speech .
"It's a sensible decision, and shows as a leader he is more interested in tackling COVID than playing politics," Mr Scully said.
"It's also a timely reminder to get booked in for a vaccine as soon as possible. It is a race to get the vaccine out and everyone who wants one should get it as quickly as possible."
Mr Scully said he was booked in for his COVID-19 vaccine on July 7.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward has remained in his electorate this week, and has not been in contact with Mr Marshall. Mr Ward was not selected to sit in Parliament today.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.