Fran Kilgariff AM: NT Administrator’s deputy diagnosed with cancer

Fran Kilgariff AM, Deputy of the Administrator of the Northern Territory, has been on leave while she is treated for cancer, Government House has announced.

Swearing in ceremony of the Deputy of the Administrator, Ms Fran Kilgariff AM. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fran Kilgariff AM, the long-serving Alice Springs mayor who was recently elevated to Deputy of the Administrator of the Northern Territory, is receiving treatment for cancer and will return to work “as soon as she is able,” Government House has announced.

The Deputy, who is the Administrator of the Northern Territory’s representative in Alice Springs, was appointed to the role in December last year and sworn in on February 15.

We now know that around this time, she received a cancer diagnosis.

“[Ms Kilgariff] has been on a leave of absence from official duties following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year,” Government House said in a statement on Tuesday.

“She has been receiving treatment in Adelaide and recently returned to Alice Springs to continue treatment followed by a period of recovery.

Deputy of the NT Administrator Fran Kilgariff and Chief Justice Michael Grant AO at the swearing in ceremony of the Deputy of the Administrator, Ms Fran Kilgariff AM. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, and Ms Ruth Jones extend their heartfelt wishes to Ms Kilgariff for a speedy recovery and return to good health.

“Ms Kilgariff remains positive and resolute and looks forward to resuming her representational role in Alice Springs as soon as she is able.

“In the interests of privacy, no further statements will be made regarding Ms Kilgariff’s illness.”

Chief Minister of Northern Territory Eva Lawler, Deputy of the NT Administrator Fran Kilgariff, His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM and Ms Ruth Eirwen Jones at the swearing in ceremony of the Deputy of the Administrator, Ms Fran Kilgariff AM. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Among Ms Kilgariff’s many and varied achievements in public service, she was mayor of Alice Springs for nearly eight years from 2000–08, a commissioner of the NT Planning Commission, a board member of St John Ambulance NT for 16 years, and sat on the NT Parole Board.

Born and raised in Central Australia and hailing from a prominent family – her father, Bernie, was a CLP senator who served federally for 12 years in the 1970s and 80s – Ms Kilgariff was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010.

Originally published as Fran Kilgariff AM: NT Administrator’s deputy diagnosed with cancer