Governor to work through cancer fight
TASMANIAN Governor Kate Warner is due to undergo her first round of chemotherapy, after announcing she has cancer.
Tasmania
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TASMANIAN Governor Kate Warner is due to undergo her first round of chemotherapy on Monday, after announcing she has cancer.
Professor Warner broke the news of her illness at Government House on Sunday, revealing the diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma was made after she sought medical advice for hip pain.
“After discovering I had a cracked hip, we thought perhaps I should have another MRI to see if I could still climb Bishop and Clerk [on Maria Island] this summer holidays,” she said.
“But when it hadn’t mended we had to do a bit more investigation and hence we found out I had lymphoma.”
The Governor, who is patron of the Tasmanian Cancer Council, said she hoped to be a role model for other people suffering with the disease.
“The good news is that this is very treatable and curable,” she said.
“I’m very hopeful this won’t cause too much disruption to my role. Of course, I did consider whether I should resign or not, but I’m assured that as I am fit and healthy otherwise, I should respond well to the treatment and hopefully I will also tolerate it well.
“I’m very positive about the outcome. If possible, I would very much like to continue in this role, which I’ve been enjoying so much.”
The 70-year-old was supported by her husband Richard Warner, Premier Will Hodgman and Government House Official Secretary David Owen when she spoke of her illness.
Mr Hodgman said Professor Warner’s decision to continue as Governor was a sign of her “character and commitment”. “On behalf of the Government and all Tasmanians, I wish Her Excellency the very best for her upcoming treatment,” he said.
“While this will likely be a challenging period for Her Excellency and her family, I am pleased she wishes to continue to undertake her duties as Governor. All Tasmanians would appreciate the considerable enthusiasm, energy and commitment Kate Warner has dedicated to this important job.
“The functions of Government will continue as normal and we wish Her Excellency a speedy recovery.”
Mr Owen sent a formal letter to Buckingham Palace yesterday informing the Queen of Professor Warner’s diagnosis, and said Government House staff would rally behind our vice-regal representative.
“We are very much with you as you work your way through this challenge,” he told Her Excellency.
Mr Owen said events in the Government House calendar would continue as usual, with either Professor Warner or Lieutenant Governor Alan Blow, who is also the Chief Justice of Tasmania, officiating.
There is also provision for a Deputy Governor to be appointed.
“To anyone — community groups, conference organisers, school groups, patronages, any others — who may be planning to invite the Governor and Mr Warner to an event, or who would like to request an event hosted here, please go ahead and do so in the usual way,” Mr Owen said.
Messages of support were shared from people on all sides of politics.
State opposition leader Rebecca White said the news came as a shock to Labor members.
“We respect Professor Warner’s decision to continue with her official duties while having treatment,” Ms White said.
“Professor Warner is a strong and determined woman and I am optimistic she will overcome this.”
On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens, leader Cassy O’Connor sent “best wishes and lots of love” to the Governor, and said it was a mark of her “enormous commitment” that she intended to keep working during treatment.
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Labor Senator Lisa Singh described Professor Warner as a “kind and strong woman with a lot of community support”.
Professor Warner was sworn in as Tasmania’s first female Governor in 2014 after a distinguished career as a lawyer and legal academic.
Her five-year term is up on December 9, but the Premier can extend her time in the role.
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