Member remains on leave as new sitting approaches

State Member for Gosford Ms Kathy Smith remains on extended leave while she recovers from treatment for a long-term health condition.

Ms Smith's electoral office in Woy Woy has continued to be staffed during her year-long absence and Ms Smith has needed representatives to stand in for her at public engagements.

It is unclear whether Ms Smith intends to return to her seat in the NSW Legislative Assembly when the state parliament resumes on February 14.

Ms Smith's Labor Party Colleague and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, said her intentions were a "personal decision".

"Under the rules she can keep going until she decides she wants to vacate the seat," Mr Harris said.

"Before parliament resumes I think she will be having her own personal thoughts," he said.

"It is a personal decision under the rules and, even though you are part of a party, you are elected in your own right," he said.

Interview, 31 Jan 2017

David Harris, Shadow Minister for the Central Coast

Reporter: Jackie Pearson