Family heartbroken at Vanessa Goodwin’s cancer diagnosis with recovery ‘not expected’

UPDATED: GRAVELY ill former Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin has issued a heart-wrenching statement thanking Tasmanians for their love and support. SEE THE VIDEO

Vanessa Goodwin will withdraw from public life after her prognosis with aggressive brain cancer. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

UPDATED: GRAVELY ill former Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin has issued a heart-wrenching statement thanking Tasmanians for their love and support.

The statement posted on her Facebook page follows yesterday’s announcement by the Premier that she will withdraw from public life, after being told by doctors she is not expected to recover from aggressive brain cancer.

Dr Goodwin said she wished to spend the time she had left surrounded by family and friends.

“Thank you all so much for the outpouring of support and love that you’ve shown to me - not only in recent weeks, but throughout my entire Parliamentary career,” she posted.

“I wish to convey the absolute honour it has been to serve as a minister in the Hodgman Liberal Government. The strong support given to me by my colleagues has helped make it a rich and rewarding experience. I would also like to say a special thankyou to the residents of Pembroke who allowed me to serve as their representative. I firmly believe that Tasmania is in much better shape than before we came to Government.

“As I step aside from public life, I’m glad to be surrounded by wonderful family, friends and medical professionals. I intend to make the most of the time I have left.”

EARLIER: Attorney-general Vanessa Goodwin will withdraw from public life after a devastating prognosis she will not recover from an aggressive form of brain cancer.

An upset Premier Will Hodgman delivered the news to Tasmanians from the floor of the State House of Assembly.

“We are heartbroken that this has happened to someone so talented, so respected, so caring and so loved,” Mr Hodgman said.

“Last night, I visited my dear friend and colleague the honourable Dr Vanessa Goodwin MLC, with close family and friends. The news from her doctors was not what we wanted to hear — far from it.

“I have the most unpleasant duty of conveying this news ... Vanessa has requested that her family make the following statement:

“Yesterday, we received advice from Vanessa’s medical team about her diagnosis. Unfortunately, the news is not what we were hoping for.

“It is extremely sad to convey the news that Vanessa has an aggressive form of cancer and recovery is not expected. We understand that this will come as distressing news to all those who know and love Vanessa.

“Vanessa is grateful for all the messages of support and love she has received since becoming ill.

“Vanessa will now withdraw from public life and we ask that her privacy be respected.

“Our sincere thanks to all the dedicated healthcare professionals who have supported Vanessa.”

Mr Hodgman said members of the Government were “terribly distraught”.

He said Dr Goodwin, whom he had known since childhood, had always been a loyal friend and one of his strongest supporters.

The statement also was read out in the Legislative Council where Dr Goodwin was leader of the Government.

Both houses of parliament adjourned soon after receiving the news.

Dr Goodwin’s portfolios of Attorney-General, Corrections and Arts and her role as Government Leader in the Upper House have been temporarily reallocated, but a permanent reshuffle will now be necessary.

A by-election also will be held in her electorate of Pembroke once she has formally resigned. There is no timeline for a by-election but it is likely to be held after the regular Legislative Council elections next month.

Political differences were again put aside in a show of support for Dr Goodwin, 47, who was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours less than two weeks ago.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said Labor’s thoughts were with Dr Goodwin, her family, colleagues and friends.

“We knew Vanessa was facing an enormous challenge but everyone was hoping for different news. No one deserves to be going through what Vanessa is going through right now,” Ms White said.

“Vanessa is an intelligent, impressive woman who has always been highly respected by those in the Labor Party, despite being on the other side of politics.”

Senior Tasmanian Liberal senator Eric Abetz said he was devastated by the news.

“Vanessa is one of the kindest, most thoughtful and considerate people you could ever wish to meet. Combining those characteristics with her considerable talents has made her a formidable advocate for the community and an outstanding parliamentarian,” Senator Abetz said.

“Her departure from public life will leave a large hole and I pay tribute to her considerable achievements as the Member for Pembroke and as a Minister in the Tasmanian Government.

“Vanessa will remain in my thoughts and prayers.”

Hobart Lord Mayor Sue Hickey described Dr Goodwin as a wonderful ambassador for political leadership and a trailblazer for women in public life and high office.

“Dignity, integrity, intelligence, a capacity for hard work and an elegance in demeanour are hallmarks of Vanessa’s character,’’ Ald Hickey said.

“She will leave huge shoes to fill. My family and I have known Vanessa and her family for many years and we love her dearly.”