MP collapses while giving emotional speech in parliament
NSW Labor MP Chris Hayes collapsed in Parliament on Thursday afternoon while delivering a heartfelt speech about the sexual abuse of children.
Mr Hayes was talking about his cousin’s experience being abused as a child by a member of the Catholic Church when he became emotional and suffered a medical episode, according to the ABC.
Video footage of the moment shows the MP say “oh my god, I’ve got a problem” as he suddenly clutched his chest and sat down in his chair.
Numerous other politicians ran over to help Mr Hayes and he was taken to hospital in Canberra.
Federal Labor Leader Anthony Albanese told the publication the politician has “recovered pretty quickly”.
“Can I thank Dr Freelander and [Nationals MP] Dr [David] Gillespie who rushed up to the Federation Chamber to provide assistance and all those members on both sides who acted with care and with compassion," he said.
He said Mr Hayes will remain in hospital overnight to undergo testing.
Mr Albanese said Mr Hayes was "in good spirits".
"I said to the chief opposition whip if he wants leave he should just ask for it, there are easier ways to get it than what occurred this morning but I look forward to getting him back in this chamber."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his prayers are with Mr Hayes and his wife Bernadette.
"We may disagree on many things in this place but we all agree Chris Hayes is a very good bloke," he said.
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