After yesterday's announcement that Melbourne's Anzac Day march has been cancelled due to the current COVID-19 outbreak from hotel quarantine, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, wants local services protected.

"After last year’s cancelled Remembrance Day services, the decision to cancel Melbourne’s Anzac Day march is disappointing," said Mr Bull, who is Victoria's Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs.

"I am somewhat surprised that this decision has been made 10 weeks out from Anzac Day. I will seek more information on why this call had to be made so early.

"However, I hope common sense prevails and that the current circumstances in late April – not in mid-February – are the first consideration in any restrictions imposed on the day’s commemorative services."

Mr Bull acknowledged that the coronavirus situation needs to be monitored and public health must come first.

However, he said "last year we saw Remembrance Day services cancelled in communities that had no cases and were well prepared to implement the required guidelines."

"Every year on April 25, the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, we take time to remember those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in all theatres of war.

"With international travel restrictions still preventing Australians making the pilgrimage to Turkey, local services hold even more significance."

Mr Bull said that every precaution must be taken to keep Victorians safe, particularly those who are most vulnerable, including our veterans. He said however that restrictions must be "realistic and logical."

"With the outbreak currently contained to Melbourne, there is no case at this stage for blanket statewide cancellations.

"Our communities are facing difficult times at present.

"In the situation we are facing, it is perhaps more pertinent that ever to ensure Victorians have an opportunity to come together, where safe, to remember the brave men and women who served, the challenges they faced and hardships they endured," Mr Bull said.