Stretton MP Duncan Pegg loses battle with cancer

Queensland state Labor MP Duncan Pegg has died following a battle with cancer, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk saying he fought the disease “with incredible bravery and grace”.

Queensland state Labor MP Duncan Pegg has died following a battle with cancer.

News of the 40-year-old’s passing was confirmed on the MP’s Facebook page, where his electorate office said it was “heartbroken to announce” the politician had died on Thursday morning.

“Our community will remember Duncan as a tireless fighter for our local area,” the statement said.

“Others will remember him as a passionate legal advocate for injured workers.

“And his family will remember him as a beloved son and brother.

“In his final months, Duncan spoke repeatedly of his great pride in the trust that the Stretton community placed in him over three separate elections.

“He often said that, in his role as parliamentarian, his greatest support was from our local community.

“His greatest wish was that you would think the same of him.”

Labor Member for Stretton Duncan Pegg making his resignation in Parliament. Picture: Tara Croser.

Mr Pegg announced his imminent resignation from Parliament just seven weeks ago after confirming he was battling cancer 18 months earlier.

He only publicly revealed his battle was terminal a fortnight ago.

“Cancer just takes things away from you, one thing at a time,” he told Q Weekend in his last media interview, in which he spoke of his deep love for his job and his community.

His last speech to the house was an emotional one that drew laughs and tears from colleagues.

In it, he urged them to visit with terminally-ill patients as they wrestled with the upcoming voluntary assisted dying vote, which he said he was disappointed to miss.

“Let’s be very clear, people with terminal illnesses don’t want to die, they want to live,” he said.

“They fight to live every day.

“I personally fight to live every day and there are so many positive stories of people successfully fighting cancer.

“However, if you are diagnosed terminal, then ultimately you are going to face death.

“People with terminal illnesses want to have an option.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk led the tributes to the Member for Stretton, saying he battled the disease “with incredible bravery and grace”.

“I join with Lindsey, Graham and the Pegg family in expressing my deep sadness over the loss of my friend, Duncan Pegg,” Ms Palszczuk said.

“He battled cancer with incredible bravery and grace.

“I know this news will be felt particularly in Duncan’s electorate of Stretton.

“He was the common thread that united so many groups in his community. He loved them. “And they loved him.

“Duncan’s work in the parliament earned respect across the political divide.

“He showed politics could be a force for good.

“It was an honour to call him my friend.

Opposition Leader Davis Crisafulli said Mr Pegg “will be missed”.

“Duncan Pegg was passionate about his community, colleagues and cricket,” he said in a statement.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear his brave innings has come to an end.

“He fought this battle with the same tenacity as he did for his community and values.

“My condolences go to his family, friends and Parliamentary colleagues.

“He will be missed.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said he would miss his mate of 25 years very deeply.

“A friend to so many, he showed us what politics can do at its very best,” he said.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd said he had met Mr Pegg “as a young activist” when he joined his Griffith electorate team, and it had been his honour to return the favour and campaign in Stretton over the years.

“Duncan wasn’t lured into political life by ego or material gain; his overriding ambition was to improve the lives of the people he served,” Mr Rudd said.

“Beneath his softly spoken exterior beat the heart of a first-class fighter, driven by his commitment to tolerance, equity and justice for all.”

Former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten said Mr Pegg was “a wonderful man”.

“Vale Duncan Pegg. A wonderful man and politician who has left us too soon,” he tweeted.

“A terrible loss for his family, friends and the ALP.

“I had the pleasure of launching Duncan’s 2015 campaign launch and helping him again more recently.

“I held him in the highest esteem. What a tragedy.”