Jane Garrett Brunswick MP fighting breast cancer

UPDATE: COMMUNITY leaders and colleagues led an outpouring of support for Jane Garrett after the Labor MP revealed she is fighting breast cancer.

COMMUNITY leaders and colleagues led an outpouring of support for Jane Garrett after the Labor MP revealed she is fighting breast cancer.

The Brunswick MP and mother of three announced the shock illness on social media, saying she has had surgery and would take time off work to recover.

Ms Garrett’s friends and family have been rocked by the diagnosis and are rallying around the popular MP.

Our thoughts and prayers are with @Jane_GarrettMP and her family during this difficult time.

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 2, 2016

We look forward to welcoming @Jane_GarrettMP back to #springst in the new year.

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 2, 2016

From my family to yours, and on behalf of the government: we're thinking of you & we'll do everything we can to support you @Jane_GarrettMP

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 2, 2016

Ms Garrett, 43, said in her statement: “I have recently joined many other women in a fight against breast cancer”.

“After a successful operation last week I will be taking some time off for treatment and recovery. I expect to be back at work as soon as possible in the New Year.”

Ms Garrett, a rising star in the Labor Party, has endured a difficult year after being physically attacked in her community and resigning as emergency services minister.

The move to quit Cabinet came after Ms Garrett decided she could not support a controversial CFA EBA, which will hand the firefighters union new veto powers.

Premier Daniel Andrews is backing the pay deal despite outcry from thousands of volunteer firefighters.

Jane Garrett meets protesting firefighters during the opening of the MFB station at Altona during her time as Emergency Services Minister. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The MP said in her statement that staff and volunteers would help look after constituents while she was recovering.

“My wonderful electorate staff and volunteers will continue to look after the needs of Brunswick residents,” she said.

“I would ask for privacy for my family as we support each other through this difficult time.”

Ms Garrett’s colleagues Fiona Richardson and Judith Graley are among state MPs who have battled breast cancer in the past. State MPs from across the ­political divide wished Ms ­Garrett a speedy recovery ­yesterday.

Premier Daniel Andrews tweeted that his thoughts were with Ms Garrett and her family “during this difficult time”.

“From my family to yours, and on behalf of the government: we’re thinking of you & we’ll do everything we can to support you,” he wrote.

Ms Garrett was first elected to the seat of Brunswick in 2010, after a career as a lawyer and after a stint as an adviser to former premier Steve Bracks.

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