‘Heartbroken’: Former Queensland MP Duncan Pegg has died, succumbing to cancer

Annastacia Palaszczuk has expressed her ‘deep sadness’ over the loss of Duncan Pegg, who only resigned from government in April.

Former Queensland state Labor MP Duncan Pegg has died after succumbing to his battle with cancer.

The member for Stretton’s electoral office confirmed Mr Pegg’s death on Thursday morning through a Facebook post detailing the community’s heartbreak over the passing of the widely admired 40-year-old.

“Our community will remember Duncan as a tireless fighter for our local area,” his former office said in a post. “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.”

Mr Pegg had only resigned from his position in April through an emotional speech to the Queensland parliament that detailed his 18-month battle with cancer.

Duncan Pegg’s final speech in parliament invoked many tears. Picture: Tara Croser

“Up until this point I’ve been able to effectively represent my local area while fighting against cancer,” Mr Pegg said.

“Based on my most recent medical advice, I will no longer be able to both fight cancer and also fight for my local area in the manner in which my community deserves.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released a statement soon after news of Mr Pegg’s death was confirmed, “expressing my deep sadness over the loss of my friend”, applauding Mr Pegg for fighting cancer with “incredible bravery and grace”.

“He was the common thread that united so many groups in his community,” she said. “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.”

Mr Pegg served alongside Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

In his final address to his colleagues in April, Mr Pegg urged MPs to consider the views of terminal illness patients when the time comes to vote on the voluntary assisted dying legislation, which is due before the house later this year.

“I speak as someone who has been fighting cancer for 18 months, who regularly attends a cancer centre and speaks to cancer patients with a terminal illness,” he said.

“Let’s be very clear, people with terminal illnesses don’t want to die, they want to live – they fight to live every day. I personally fight to live every day.

“However, if you are diagnosed terminal, then you are going to face death. People with terminally illnesses won’t have an option.

“I will not tell members how to vote (with) your conscience but before making a decision, I encourage every MP to make sure they speak to – and listen to – people with terminal illness and their families.”