Tarneit MP Telmo Languiller will take a month off work due to health concerns and family matters.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr Languiller said he decided to take leave after receiving “strong medical advice”.
The MP resigned from his role as Speaker last month after it was revealed he had claimed almost $40,000 to live at Queenscliff, which is his second residence.
In the statement, Mr Languiller spoke of the entitlement scandal for the first time.
“I had sought advice from the Clerk of the Parliament before I made the claim, and it was my view at the time I was acting within the rules,” he said.
“My decision to get a place in Queenscliff came when I needed somewhere to stay following a difficult and distressing family breakdown in 2015. I had every intention to make it my home base and indeed I continue to retain it.
“However, I became increasingly uneasy as my family pressures and commitments meant that I was spending little time there. I ended my claim to the allowance.”
Mr Languiller said he has sought leave as he is currently experiencing “dangerously high blood pressure” and depression, his son has faced life threatening issues, and his mother is in palliative care at home.
“I now have no choice to follow my doctor’s advice and take some time to recover and support my family.”
He said he looks forward to returning to work next month.
