The Independent MP for Kooyong has blasted LNP members in Question Time for not wearing a mask.
Dr Monique Ryan told the members of the Coalition to “put your masks on” after she was interrupted during Parliament while discussing the burden of COVID-19 reinfection rates on the health care system.
“COVID-19 infections in this country are at a record high and increasing,” the former pediatric neurologist said while posing her question to Health Minister Mark Butler.
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“There is an increasing risk of cumulative neurological and cardiovascular disease from infections from COVID-19.
“Can the Minister please explain how he proposes to manage the oncoming national significant burden of disability and chronic illness from repeated infection?”
During her question, Dr Ryan was jeered at by some MPs, before snapping back “put your masks on” as she pointed at the opposition benches.
The Member for Kooyong later took to Twitter later saying: “I don’t appreciate being interrupted while speaking on serious risks of repeated COVID infections.”
“I particularly don’t appreciate being interrupted by shouting LNP MPs who refuse to wear masks.
“We all have a duty to look after each other. Here & everywhere. Put your mask on!”
Mask-wearing is only a recommendation inside Parliament and most Coalition MPs exercise their free choice not to wear one, despite a few exceptions.
The former Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital Neurology department Director was one of a slate of Climate 200-backed independents who toppled sitting Liberal MPs at the last election including the then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg who was seen as a future leader of the party.
Mr Frydenberg’s campaign spent an estimated more than $2 million to hold the seat which was once considered one of the jewels in the Liberal Party crown.
But Dr Ryan’s strong grass roots campaign targeting more ambitious action on climate change and greater integrity in politics, along with the personal unpopularity of then-prime minister Scott Morrison, delivered the independent a historic win.
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