Jane Garrett, a 49-year-old Victorian Labor MP, has died of breast cancer.
Having been diagnosed with the disease in 2016, the former minister of emergency services and MP since 2010 declared late last year that she will not be running for re-election in the 2022 state election.
In 2016, Ms. Garrett, a member of the Victorian parliament for Brunswick and Eastern Victoria, resigned from the cabinet after a dispute over firefighters’ pay.
Australian Premier Daniel Andrews paid tribute to Ms. Garrett for her “major contribution to Victoria” and offered her a state funeral as a symbol of her “heartfelt support for working people”.
Her family released a statement on Saturday evening expressing their gratitude for her “contagious love of life and people.”
This afternoon, after a long struggle with cancer, our beloved Jane Garrett passed away. “We are devastated,” the statement read.
“Jane was brought to the hospital earlier this week when her cancer returned after a period of remission.
Thanks to everyone at the Epworth Freemasons for the years of care they’ve given Jane, especially in the last week.
“We will always remember Jane for her infectious enthusiasm for life and people, as well as her deep compassion and tireless advocacy on behalf of women and the most vulnerable members of society.
‘Her knowledge, wit, and generosity will be sorely missed by the Garrett family,’ said one relative.
Her three children, Molly (19), Sasha (15), and Max (10 years old), all survive her.
Jane Garrett, the Member of Parliament for Eastern Victoria, died on Saturday following a long battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Mr. Andrews on Saturday.
Jane Garrett Funeral Announcement
Jane Garrett’s funeral announcement has not been released by her family. The Funeral of Jane Garrett will be held soon
Jane Garrett Cause of Death
Jane Garrett died from breast cancer at the age of 49.
