Parliament House will close to the public over the next two weeks, as part of measures taken to stop the spread of coronavirus as MPs return for a new sitting period.
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And despite the Liberal Party organising three fundraising events during the sitting period, the Speaker and President have warned against social gatherings and MPs congregating in groups.
Members and senators from all over Australia will arrive in Canberra next week, although a dozen Victorian MPs are just over halfway through their two-week quarantine period.
The building will be closed to visitors, and some pass-holder categories won't be able to access the building.
Wearing of face masks is encouraged where social distancing isn't possible and marshals will enforce social distancing in areas of high traffic.
Parliamentarians have been asked to avoid congregating in groups and avoid face-to-face meetings with external visitors.
"Social gatherings are strongly discouraged," the direction from the presiding officers said.
MPs travelling from the greater Sydney and Newcastle areas have been requested to avoid visiting retail and hospitality venues, and to not visit high-risk settings like aged care homes and hospitals. They have also been asked to strictly abide by social distancing measures when outside Parliament House.
Despite calls for video-conferencing measures to be made available, especially for MPs who can't travel for health reasons, no announcement has yet been made on that front.
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Sally Whyte
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
