Chief Minister’s son to fly interstate for emergency treatment

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has taken personal leave to fly interstate with her young family as son Henry undergoes surgery.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has taken personal leave from political and parliamentary duties to fly interstate for medical treatment to her sick son.

The government released a statement Sunday advising of the personal leave, effective immediately.

“Ms Fyles, her partner and two children will be travelling interstate where her 11-year-old son Henry will receive further specialised treatment on an Intramedullary Spinal Cord tumour,” it said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles at Parliament House. Picture: Annabel Bowles

“Henry’s condition is very rare. The family has previously sought medical intervention interstate and overseas for specialised treatment.

“This is a continuation of that treatment.

“The Chief Minister is grateful for the support shown to the family by friends, colleagues and the community as they focus on Henry’s wellbeing and recovery.

“Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison will act as Chief Minister while Ms Fyles is away.

The Chief Minister is anticipated to return to work on Monday 19 June.”

The break means the Legislative Assembly will have to reschedule Estimates committee hearings, which are scheduled to begin at Parliament House on Tuesday.

Henry was a toddler when he was diagnosed with the spinal cord tumour.

Ms Fyles and her partner flew with their young family to the United States in 2014 to seek specialist advice.