Outgoing NSW Housing and Water Minister Melinda Pavey says her son is among a cluster of soldiers in the Hunter region who have COVID-19.
The Member for Oxley has confirmed her 21-year-old son Jack, who lives at the Lone Pine Barracks at Singleton, was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the weekend.
Ms Pavey said she got the call from her son on Saturday — the same day she was dumped from the state cabinet.
She said losing her portfolio in water and housing was not her biggest concern over the weekend.
"So let's put things into perspective."
A spokesperson from the Department of Defence confirmed four Australian Defence Force (ADF) members had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Lone Pine Barracks at Singleton.
In a statement, the department said a "comprehensive public health response is now underway under the direction of NSW Health" and that all four ADF members were in isolation.
"All appropriate measures to contain COVID-19 continue to be taken in accordance with NSW Health requirements including the requirement to quarantine, test, and isolate where applicable."
The department said at this stage there had been no further COVID-19 cases since last Thursday, when the last positive test result was received at the Lone Pine Barracks.
The Hunter New England Health District, which covers Newcastle, Forster, Tamworth, Taree and Gloucester, recorded 660 new cases to 8pm Sunday.
Of the new cases, 16 were from the Singleton LGA.
Back on the NSW Mid North Coast, Melinda Pavey said her son was feeling OK and was fully vaccinated.
She hoped her son would be able to return home for Christmas.
