Today I felt unwell and experienced a brief moment of disorientation while sitting in the House of Representatives.
I received prompt attention from colleagues with medical backgrounds and House attendants.
After being examined by a nurse at Parliament House, and on the advice of health professionals, I attended Canberra hospital for some tests which cleared me of any serious medical issues.
I’ve been advised that my temporary condition was likely to have been fatigue-related and I’m able to continue my duties as a local MP and minister from tomorrow.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the colleagues from both sides of the chamber who came to my assistance, the parliamentary staff and the outstanding team at Canberra hospital who treated me. My apologies for causing such alarm during the prime minister’s important speech on ‘Closing the Gap’ on Indigenous disadvantage.
Thank you to the many people who have contacted my office to express their best wishes.
