Greens MP Tim Read Dies After Cancer Battle
Victorian Greens MP Tim Read has died at the age of 64 after a 10-month battle with melanoma, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum.
Greens MP Tim Read has died at the age of 64 following a 10-month battle with melanoma. The Victorian Greens announced the news on Saturday, stating they were "truly devastated" by the loss of their "dear friend, colleague and beloved MP for Brunswick."
"At this time of incredible pain and sadness, we offer our deepest love to his wife … children, and all of Tim's family and friends," the party said in a statement.
Read's colleague Ellen Sandell described him as a "brilliant local MP, doctor and scientist" and "the kindest, funniest and most fundamentally decent of people." She noted his willingness to "speak truth to power," citing his activism prior to his election, including arrests for spray-painting health messages on tobacco billboards.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll shared that he had been "deeply touched" by a recent conversation with Read, which focused on "integrity in public life and the need for reform." Carroll added that "Despite his health challenges, he was positive and optimistic for a better world" and that he "always valued his intelligent and humane contributions to the public debate."
Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson characterized Read as a "man of conviction" who brought "sincerity, compassion and a strong sense of public duty" to his work, earning respect across parliament. She highlighted his "unwavering" commitment to integrity and his advocacy for stronger anti-corruption laws through his leadership of the parliament's Integrity and Oversight Committee.
Read, who completed a PhD into HIV prevention and treatment, had a history of political activism dating back to his 20s. He was involved with the Billboard-Utilising Graffitists Against Unhealthy Promotions (BUGA-UP) group.
He ran as a Greens candidate for the federal seat of Wills in 2013. In 2014, he contested the state seat of Brunswick, winning it in 2018. Read had also campaigned against a plan by former premier Jacinta Allan to close VicHealth, defending the organization's role in promoting community health awareness.