Sally Rugg given formal warning from boss after boarding flight while sick with COVID

Kooyong MP Dr Monique Ryan, a doctor who advocates stricter COVID-19 rules, gave her chief of staff Sally Rugg a formal warning after she boarded a flight last year while sick with COVID-19.

The Federal Court on Friday heard the social campaigner tested positive to the virus in November while working with Ryan in Canberra’s Parliament House. She then flew to Melbourne.

Federal MP Monique Ryan arriving at the Federal Court in Melbourne on Friday.Credit:Paul Jeffers

Ryan believed Rugg should not have boarded the plane and put passengers at risk, according to an affidavit.

Rugg brought legal action against the Commonwealth and Ryan in January, alleging she was dismissed as the teal independent’s chief of staff in December for exercising her right to refuse to work unreasonable, additional hours.

The Australian government and Ryan deny Rugg was asked to work unreasonable hours.

Following a breakdown in mediation, Rugg’s lawyer, Josh Bornstein, said the proceedings would become a test case in parliamentary workplace culture and excessive demands placed on political staff.

The Federal Court in Melbourne is hearing arguments about whether to put a halt on Rugg’s termination. She has not performed work for Ryan since December but is still technically employed. Rugg’s lawyers are trying to prove the relationship between the pair did not break down and that Rugg could return to the office if working conditions were adjusted.

Rugg’s lawyers said on Friday that she received advice from a doctor to “return home” after testing positive to COVID-19.