Normal text size
Very large text size
In 1903, senator John Ferguson, who championed statehood for central Queensland, became the first and only federal parliamentarian to be kicked out for taking too many days off work.
He was seriously unwell and, after missing two months of sittings without approval, his seat was declared vacant, as required by section 38 of the federal constitution.
At the moment, two cabinet ministers are taking time off work.
Attorney-General Christian Porter is seeking mental health assistance after being accused of raping a woman in 1988, a claim he vigorously denies.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds was briefly admitted to hospital in February for a pre-existing heart condition and has since been on sick leave. She has faced calls from Labor to resign amid suggestions she insulted and failed to support Brittany Higgins, a former Liberal staffer who alleges she was raped by a colleague in the ministerâs office in 2019. She has apologised for any hurt and distress her remark caused and defended her handling of Ms Higginsâ rape claim.