Brisbane MP Duncan Pegg vows to fight cancer hard
Brisbane MP Duncan Pegg has vowed to fight cancer as hard as he has fought for his electorate over the past five years. He says “cancer is not much fun at all” but he is choosing to remain positive.
Southeast
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SOUTHSIDE MP Duncan Pegg has revealed he is battling one of the most common cancers affecting tens of thousands of people each year.
The 39-year-old Labor backbencher has decided to keep the specifics private but is urging people to get regular health check ups.
Mr Pegg, who made an emotional speech to Queensland Parliament last Tuesday afternoon about his cancer battle, says he will continue to represent his Stretton electorate as he undergoes treatment.
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“I really want to fight this as hard as I can – I have fought for the community as hard as I can for five years and I am going to fight this cancer hard as well,” he told the Southern Star exclusively.
“My treatment has begun and with the support of the premier, my colleagues and my electorate office staff I intend to continue representing my electorate of Stretton.
“I have the support of my family, my friends and of course fantastic Queensland doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
“Of course there will be times when my treatment has to come first but my local MPs have told me they will help out when they can.”
Mr Pegg was diagnosed a few weeks ago after he went to the doctors about a sore shoulder.
He was “feeling a bit off but not majorly” and while the sore shoulder didn’t turn out to be anything, a subsequent blood test came back with the shock results.
“I am feeling as good as can be expected,” Mr Pegg said.
“Cancer is not much fun at all … but I am choosing to remain positive.
“I really want to thank the community … I am really grateful for the support I have received.”
Mr Pegg, who was elected to the seat of Stretton in 2015, said every year 150,000 Australians were diagnosed with cancer and in his role with the State Government he had always supported cancer charities.
Two years ago, Mr Pegg was a patron for Cancer Council Queensland’s Relay for Life and he has always been a big supporter of prostate cancer charity Man Up!
“It’s news nobody ever wants to receive – but thousands of people receive it every year,” he said.
“If there is one thing I have learned about cancer already is that I am not in it alone.
“There are many arms around my shoulders and for that I am grateful.
“I ask for understanding and prayers during this time.
“Given my age — it shows cancer doesn’t discriminate — so people need to make sure they get regular health checks.”
Mr Pegg said he intended to run again in the 2020 State Election and will continue to serve the community.
His electorate, which includes Sunnybank Hills, Runcorn, Kuraby, Stretton, Karawatha, Drewvale, and parts of Calamvale and Acacia Ridge, is one of the most multicultural in the state.
Prior to being elected to parliament, Mr Pegg worked as a lawyer with a focus on employment and insurance law.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP acknowledged the great work Mr Pegg did in his electorate and wished him the best for his treatment.
“Duncan is a tireless worker for his community and will continue representing his electorate but there are going to be times when his treatment will understandably come first,” she said.
“Duncan looks forward to continuing to represent his local community.
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