Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has taken sudden personal leave two days before Budget Estimates hearings are scheduled to start, her office announced on Sunday afternoon.
The leave is expected to last a week so Ms Fyles and her husband can travel interstate, “where her 11-year-old son Henry will receive further specialised treatment on an Intramedullary Spinal Cord tumor”, a statement said.
“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 sudden leave takes effect from Sunday June 11, until Monday June 19, when Ms Fyles is expected to return to work.
Ms Fyles was scheduled to appear at Budget Estimates hearings on Tuesday morning for the entire day.
Her office said Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison will act as Chief Minister, but they made no specific mention of Tuesday’s scheduled hearings or if they will be rescheduled.
However, the NT Independent understands Estimates hearings will be reorganised to accommodate Ms Fyles’s leave, with Tuesday now expected to be filled by Ms Manison who was originally scheduled for Thursday, followed by Treasurer Eva Lawler on Wednesday.
Ms Fyles and her portfolios are expected to be scrutinised at a rescheduled hearing upon her return next week.
“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,” the statement said.
With respect & concern for your sick child who needs his mum, it could be time to transition the NTG CM mantle to a Minister with the time to participate in the 2023 NTG DLA Calender which was created in 2022. NTG Estimates is a crucial time for a transparent, collaborative question time to identify why the NT economy is declining although the NTG News publishes articles outlining the alternative. Secondly, the crime rate where NTG Youth are carrying weapons is a major concern & needs an urgent address. Women can have it all, just not at once as suffragettes fought for this right. Being CM is an all consuming position although you may be Territory Tough politics is a brutal game so best led by someone who can dedicate their time & resources to citizens of the NT. Good luck in your decision making!
Well said Jane.