'I've got a problem': Labor MP collapses while speaking in Parliament
A Labor MP who collapsed clutching his chest while speaking in federal Parliament will stay in hospital overnight for tests but his boss says he's in good spirits.
Chris Hayes, the member for the NSW seat of Fowler, was speaking in Parliament's Federation Chamber about child sexual abuse on Thursday when he struggled to talk before clutching at his heart.
Labor chief whip Chris Hayes has collapsed while speaking in Parliament.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
"I've got a problem," he said before collapsing. His Labor colleague Tanya Plibersek rushed to his side, while Liberal MP Jason Falinski also ran across the small chamber to help the chief opposition whip.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese told Question Time that Mr Hayes "recovered pretty quickly" but was taken to hospital after the collapse.
"He is in good spirits and we all wish him a very speedy recovery," Mr Albanese said.
"And I say 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 his morning."
Mr Albanese thanked Labor MP Dr Mike Freelander and Nationals MP Dr David Gillespie for the help they gave Mr Hayes.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his prayers were with Mr Hayes and his wife, who is with him in hospital.
"We may disagree on many things in place but I think we all agree that Chris Hayes is a very good bloke," Mr Morrison said.
Mr Hayes has been in Parliament since 2005 after replacing Mark Latham in the old seat of Werriwa.
Angus Livingston is the Federal Politics Bureau Chief for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, based at Parliament House in Canberra.