Joan Kirner in cancer treatment
Victoria’s first and only female premier Joan Kirner is being treated for cancer.
Kirner, 75, was diagnosed last month and has started chemotherapy and radiation treatment for oesophageal cancer at Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
She has thanked her doctors, family and friends for their support.
“I am very grateful for the medical care and attention from my doctors, and the staff and management team at Peter Mac,” she said in a statement.
“I would also like to thank my friends and family for their terrific support.”
Kirner was elected Labor leader and became premier when John Cain resigned in 1990. She served as premier until 1992, when the coalition won the election in a landslide result.
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Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says Kirner is a great Victorian.
“She’s been a real leader for Victorian politics, the Victorian community and particularly Victorian women,” the coalition leader told reporters.
“Our thoughts are with her and we wish her all the best in this tough fight.”
Victorian Labor leader Daniel Andrews said Kirner was a tireless advocate for Labor values and had continued to work for the movement in various roles since retiring from the party.
“Our thoughts are with Joan and her family at this time,” the opposition leader said.
After retiring from parliament, Kirner co-founded EMILY’s List in 1996, a political network supporting progressive women to be elected to political office.
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The EMILY’s List community said it was rocked by news of her illness.
“Joan has become recognised and loved for her personal strength and grace in the face of numerous challenges,” it said in a statement.
“We know that this latest battle will be no exception, and that Joan will approach this setback with the tenacity and spirit for which she has become known.”
Kirner first entered parliament as the Member for Melbourne West in 1982 and was elected Williamstown MP six years later.
She held the conservation and education ministries before being elected Labor leader, and therefore premier.
In an interview last June, Kirner said the establishment of Landcare, which now boasts 4000 groups nationally, was one of her finest achievements.
She was proud of bringing the issue of violence against women into the spotlight, as well as equal pay.
She also pushed to have abortion decriminalised in Victoria, which it eventually was in 2008.
Last year, Kirner was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia Award for her lifetime of service to the Victorian parliament and community.
