A minister has been forced to issue a groveling apology to parents mourning the loss of their three-year-old daughter after she was accused of making a “childish and inappropriate” response when questioned in Parliament about the mysterious death.
Perth toddler Aliyah Yugovich died unexpectedly in July after contracting the flu following a tonsillectomy
A preliminary coroner’s report recently found that the toddler had accidentally been given an anti-seizure drug by one of the three hospitals treating her.
Opposition Leader Libby Mettam asked WA Health Minister Amber Jade Sanderson in Parliament on Tuesday whether a lack of resources at the Perth Children’s Hospital was a factor in Aliyah’s death.
In response, the minister accused Ms Mettam of politicizing the tragic case and said the Liberal leader had “plumbed some serious depths”.
‘This is a new low. This terrible circumstance is not question time fodder,” Ms Sanderson fumed.
“This is purely an attempt to politicize a terrible event, Madam Speaker… and a dirty attempt by the Leader of the Opposition.”
Aliyah’s mother Jess Yugovich has since criticized the minister for trying to avoid the question.
Aliyah Yugovich (middle of photo) died unexpectedly in July
“The way she behaved is childish and inappropriate,” Ms. Yugovich said the Western Australia.
“Our lives have been completely destroyed by this, and to see the person who is supposed to help people like us behave this way is infuriating.”
Ms Yugovich said the minister’s combative response was the first time she had heard Ms Sanderson mention her daughter.
“Libby Mettam asked a valid question, and I want answers to those questions,” Ms. Yugovich said.
Ms Sanderson apologized to the family on Wednesday but insisted Question Time was an “inherently political forum”.
“I want to start by expressing my condolences to the Yugovich family,” she said.
It has been revealed that Aliyah was accidentally given an anti-seizure drug before her death
WA Health Minister Amber Jade Sanderson has been criticized by grieving family for failing to answer a question about Aliyah in Parliament
“It saddens me if any of the comments in yesterday’s Question Time upset them and I sincerely wish them the best of luck.”
“I continue to say that parents should always be heard, and this is a complex investigation that will take time.”
Ms Yugovich hopes to meet and sit down with the Minister, along with a commitment to ensure similar tragedies are avoided in the future.
A coroner’s findings in the case are expected to be submitted before Christmas.