- Published:
- Wednesday 20 May 2020
Victorian Parliament will return to scheduled sittings from the start of June, as restrictions that were put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus are cautiously lifted.
Parliament last sat on Thursday, 23 April to pass emergency legislation to keep government services operating and fund critical investments to protect the health system, support jobs and help businesses survive.
Under the schedule announced today, both houses of Parliament will sit from 2-4 June and 16-18 June. Parliament will then break for the previously scheduled winter recesses before returning on 4 August.
Additional cleaning and hygiene measures will continue be in place during the sittings, and a reduced number of MPs will be present in each chamber, as well as a skeleton staff, to aid social distancing.
Sitting dates are subject to change, depending on the spread of coronavirus and the advice of the Chief Health Officer.
The Government will also seek to recall Parliament at any time, if further emergency legislation is required to protect Victorians from coronavirus or its severe economic impacts.
Quote attributable to Leader of the House Jacinta Allan
“It’s important the vital work of Parliament returns as we cautiously lift restrictions.”
Quote attributable to Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Jaclyn Symes
“There will be a range of measures in place to protect Parliamentarians and staff, including extra cleaning and hygiene measures, and fewer staff to aid social distancing.”