MEMBER for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp is on sick leave until the end of the year as he battles a benign stomach tumour.
The Labor MP advised Premier Daniel Andrews and Legislative Council president Nazih Elasmar that he would be on leave from State Parliament effective immediately.
“In early 2019, I was diagnosed with a benign tumour in the stomach,” Mr Gepp said in a statement.
“Although the pathology status of the tumour remains excellent it has continued to cause some complications.”
Mr Gepp said multiple attempts to resect the tumour had proven unsuccessful and the “continued impact on my health has become evident”.
“After consultation with health professionals, surgery has been scheduled for October 13,” he said.
Mr Gepp said his specialists expected him to make a full recovery.
“I will continue to follow advice of health professionals and will be guided by their expertise on when my physical health can allow me to return to work,” he said.
“I ask for privacy during this time to focus on my health and wellbeing.
“I look forward to returning to work as soon as I can, and I fully intend to contest the 2022 election as part of the Andrews government team.
“I also want to thank my wonderful team in the electorate office who will continue to provide support for constituents, while managing the day-to-day operations of my office.”
