Former Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin dies after a battle with brain cancer

UPDATED: FORMER Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin has died after a battle with brain cancer.

Vanessa Goodwin

FORMER Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin has died after a battle with brain cancer.

Dr Goodwin was diagnosed with the disease in March last year, and subsequently withdrew from public life in April after getting the devastating prognosis that she would not recover from it.

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She died, aged 48, in the St Johns hospital about 3.30pm today.

Her mother, Liberal stalwart Edyth Langham-Goodwin, also died of brain tumours, aged 78.

Former Tasmanian Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin.

In the wake of Dr Goodwin’s shattering diagnosis, all sides of politics came together for one of the Hodgman Government’s most popular and respected members.

As a politician she was known for being cool in a crisis, for meticulous attention to detail, even-handedness and a powerful work ethic while as an individual she was well liked across the political spectrum, loved by staff and colleagues.

She was lauded as “the champion” of legislation that would clear people charged under historic anti-gay laws.

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Dr Goodwin resigned from Cabinet, and her position as Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, and as a member for Pembroke in September last year.

Her family released a statement on Saturday afternoon.

“Vanessa has passed away peacefully this afternoon supported by family, friends and the wonderful staff at Calvary St John’s Hospital,” the statement read.

“We are devastated to lose such a loved and cherished member of our family.

“Vanessa has approached the months since her diagnosis of brain cancer with a formidable strength that characterises how she lived her life.

“She was fiercely intelligent, softly spoken, had a great empathy for others and was always in possession of a quiet dignity.

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“She will be missed greatly by her family, friends and beloved animals.

“She lived a life of service to others and her loss is both ours and the Tasmanian community.

“We sincerely thank the medical staff who have cared for her with such devotion, in particular the carers from Independent Health Care who have accompanied her constantly though her journey.

“To the people of Tasmania who sent messages of support through her illness, please know that you gave her great comfort and she cherished every message and post.”

Premier Will Hodgman, a close personal friend of Dr Goodwin, tweeted: “So sad we have lost our Vanessa, after such a brave fight.

“I’m glad I was able to say my goodbyes this morning to a close friend and one of my greatest supports.

“Thanks to the wonderful staff at the Gibson Ward, and thanks for everything VG. I’ll miss you xxx.”

So sad we have lost our Vanessa, after such a brave fight. I’m glad I was able to say my goodbyes this morning to /a close friend and one of my greatest supports. Thanks to the wonderful staff at the Gibson Ward, and thanks for everything VG. I’ll miss you xxx

— Will Hodgman MP (@WillHodgman) March 3, 2018

Former premier Lara Giddings said Dr Goodwin had bridged the political divide.

“So sorry to hear of the passing of Vanessa Goodwin,” she said.

“There are people who bridge the political divide with their integrity, kindness and compassion. She had all of those attributes and will be sadly missed by many Tasmanians.”

Member for Pembroke Jo Siejka, who was elected to the Legislative Council in a by-election for Dr Goodwin’s vacated seat in November last year, has expressed condolences to Dr Goodwin’s family, friends and colleagues on behalf of the Labor Party.

“Vanessa was highly respected by all sides of Tasmanian politics and she will be deeply missed,” she said.

“As the Member for Pembroke and Attorney-General, Vanessa Goodwin served Tasmania with professionalism, dedication and compassion.

“Following her as the Member for Pembroke is an enormous responsibility.

“She has been taken from her loved ones far too early.”

Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam previously worked as a staff member for Dr Goodwin.

“I and my family are deeply saddened at the passing of Dr Vanessa Goodwin today,” he said.

“Having worked as her chief of staff in government, I respected her immensely and admired her compassionate nature.

“Her dedication to the law and public life was commendable.

“Vanessa will be sorely missed by the Liberal family.”

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz said Tasmania had lost a “kind, caring and thoughtful champion of all Tasmanians’’.

“Vanessa brought together a wonderful combination of a keen intellect, political smarts and a genuine care for the community that made her an outstanding Parliamentarian and advocate.

“Her loss will leave a hole in the hearts of many Tasmanians as her Liberal family mourns the passing of a giant.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the wider community.”

Speaking to ABC News tonight, Greens Senator Nick McKim said Dr Goodwin’s passing would cast a pall over election night, regardless of the result.

“She was one of those unique politicians who did enjoy respect from everyone in Tasmanian politics right across the spectrum,” he said.

Former Senator Jacqui Lambie has tweeted: “So sad to hear of Vanessa Goodwin’s passing. My deepest condolences to her loved ones. May she rest in peace.”