Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie will remain in Tasmania and not attend Parliament next week as a result of new self-isolation measures, which she fully supports.
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Premier Peter Gutwein announced that all arrivals in Tasmania must self-isolate for 14 days from 12.01am Saturday as the state ramps up its protections against the coronavirus.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
Speaking on Sky News on Thursday, Senator Lambie said it was the right move and she did not want to risk bringing the virus into the state through an airport.
"I won't be coming to Canberra simply because I will have to self-isolate for 14 days on return," she said.
"Whether that's part of the stringent or essentials or not, but I will feel compelled to the people of Tasmania, especially after walking through airports and that, to isolate myself for 14 days."
The government is set to introduce its stimulus package to Parliament early next week, but Senator Lambie said it would be passed regardless of her attendance.
"I don't think it's time ... to be doing deals ... that's the first thing, and I think the stimulus packages just need to go through as they are," she said.
"Wheeling and dealing and holding up Parliament would actually make me feel quite shameful.
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"How about we just stick the stimulus package through. I do believe that Labor is going to wave them straight through. I don't know why we need to be up there to discuss them."
Other Tasmanian MPs are seeking advice on whether they will be exempt from the self-isolation measures.
Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer already has a pairing for the coming week and will not be in attendance.
Premier Peter Gutwein's announcement of the stringent measures on Thursday morning received widespread support among Tasmanian business and community leaders.
Senator Lambie said she considered it a courageous and welcome move.
"As the new premier, to show courage and guts that he's just done by making that call, good on you," she said.
"We know that we could get rid of this virus very very quickly, we could get on with our daily lives, then we could all get back into restaurants, even if it's just the locals supporting local businesses, local restaurants, getting back to work so people remain on the job.
"I applaud him for having the courage to actually do this, and good on him."
