VICTORIA’S only female premier, Joan Kirner, has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
The 75-year-old from Williamstown has begun chemotherapy and radiation treatment after being diagnosed with the cancer last month.
“I am very grateful for the medical care and attention from my doctors, and the staff and management team at Peter Mac,” she said in a statement released on Tuesday morning.
“I would also like to thank my friends and family for their terrific support.”
The statement asked that Ms Kirner’s and her family’s privacy be respected as they focus on treatment and recovery.
Mrs Kirner was first elected to parliament in 1982 as a Member for Melbourne West and was elected as a member for Williamstown in 1988.
She was elected Labor leader and became the state’s first female premier in 1990 after John Cain resigned.
She held office for two years before a landslide election defeat in 1992.
