Bellarine MP Lisa Neville resumed most of her ministerial duties on Monday after taking six months of leave following complications from Crohn’s disease.
Ms Neville initially announced in February she would take three months off after suffering her “worst” episode yet of the chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
She was hospitalised on February 12 due to the condition, which she has lived with for 32 years.
But Ms Neville had to undergo surgery in April after her health worsened.
Prior to the surgery, she thanked supporters and those suffering from Crohn’s or similar illnesses who had reached out to her.
“It’s a small consolation that people are now learning more about Crohn’s, its triggers and the seriousness that the complications can cause,” she said.
This Monday, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed Ms Neville had resumed her duties as Police Minister and Water Minister.
“Lisa has shown enormous strength and resilience through her recovery from surgery and treatment for Crohn’s disease, and I know how determined she has been to return to work,” Mr Andrews said.
Ms Neville has also resumed her responsibilities as Co-ordinating Minister of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and leading Victoria’s COVID-19 quarantine program.
“Preparations are now underway to establish the new quarantine facility at Mickleham, which will be run by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria reporting through the police portfolio,” Mr Andrews said.
But Attorney General Jaclyn Symes will take over Ms Neville’s remaining ministerial portfolio as Emergency Services Minister.
“As part of her return-to-work planning, Lisa and I have discussed what she needs to do to ensure her health continues to improve and her recovery is sustainable,” Mr Andrews said.
“After considering advice from her doctors, she has been clear that some of the requirements of the emergency services portfolio – including regular travel around to remote parts of the state at short notice – are simply not compatible with managing her condition and recovery.
“Finally, I thank Danny Pearson and Richard Wynne for acting in Lisa’s portfolios while she recovered.”
