Controversial Queensland MP Billy Gordon will be absent from parliament this week as he recovers from a minor heart attack.
The Cook MP, who was forced out of the Labor party last year and now sits as an independent, was admitted to Cairns Hospital on Saturday afternoon after experiencing tightness in his chest and difficulty breathing.
He underwent surgery on Saturday night and is expected to be released before the end of the week.
"I feel much better," he said on Monday.
"(There's been a) big difference in my breathing and heart function but (I'm) a bit sore in the arm."
Mr Gordon's health woes puts the minority Labor government in an awkward position.
With him missing, the opposition's 42 MPs could team up with the two Katter party MPs to reject government legislation, and call into question its confidence and supply.
Mr Gordon said a no-confidence motion while he was away would make a mockery of the parliament.
Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg has ruled out a no-confidence motion anyhow.
"You don't take advantage of a situation like this," he said.
"It would be completely wrong."
Mr Gordon could apply for a proxy vote if he can't attend parliament but it's not clear whether that will occur.
Katter's Australian Party MP Rob Katter says he's unsure how Mr Gordon's hospitalisation would affect the delicate power balance and has sought advice from parliament's clerk.
Cairns MP Rob Pyne, whose electorate borders Mr Gordon's, says his neighbour's battles against domestic violence and sexting allegations would have affected his health.
"It has obviously been a very stressful period for him over the last 12 months and I think these things do take a toll on your health," Mr Pyne said.
The Labor MP encouraged Mr Gordon not to worry about the political implications his absence might create.
Mr Gordon says he looks forward to resuming his parliamentary duties.
He thanked well wishers and hospital staff, who he said had provided "world-class" care.
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