Coronavirus: Parliament to shrink next week, MPs to stay away

The parties were still thrashing out the details on Tuesday, but Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said he and Prime Minister Scott Morrison had agreed that about 60 of the 151 lower House MPs can stay away.

The parties will "pair" on votes so the government's major legislation - its $22.9 billion stimulus package and the extra stimulus and bailout announcements being prepared this week - can be passed.

Similar arrangements were being negotiated for the Senate, but no details have yet been released. Senate arrangements are complicated by the crossbench, which in various combinations have the casting votes.

Mr Albanese said priority would be given for leave for people who were "more susceptible to viruses" and those with further to travel.

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Three federal parliamentarians have now tested positive - Queenslanders Peter Dutton (Liberal) and Senator Susan McDonald (Nationals), and Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg.

More than a week ago, crossbench Senator Rex Patrick called on the government to bring forward the federal Budget to mid-April and be prepared to reschedule parliamentary sittings.

"No one would want the Parliament to serve as a giant petri dish," Senator Patrick said then.

"Most politicians are out and about in their communities when Parliament is not sitting. A mass gathering like federal Parliament and associated travel patterns will increase the chance of politicians and their staff spreading the virus in their communities. It would be best to be proactive to avoid this risk."

Passes have been cancelled and access has been limited for public servants and visitors, with politicians asked to bring only essential staff.