Victorian Greens MP Tim Read dies aged 64
Health promotion campaigner and Victorian Greens MP Tim Read has died after a high-profile battle with cancer.
Tim Read, a Victorian Greens MP, has passed away at the age of 64 after a fierce battle with metastatic cancer. The former general practitioner had recently announced his retirement from the Victorian parliament in January. During his final year in office, Dr Read had been fighting against the Allan government's decision to close VicHealth. The cancer had spread throughout his body, and he had previously had a melanoma removed from his leg seven years ago. Dr Read's retirement came ahead of the November state election.
Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell paid tribute to Dr Read, describing him as the most liked MP in the state parliament. She called Tim a brilliant local MP, doctor, and scientist, but also highlighted his kindness, humor, and fundamental decency. Dr Read was known for his fearless stance against power, whether he was arrested for spray-painting health messages on tobacco billboards or challenging the Premier in Question Time.
Despite his political convictions, he was respected across the community for his integrity, wit, and humility.
Dr Read had initially run for a parliamentary seat at a federal level, contesting the 2013 election in Bob Hawke's former seat of Wills. He won the Brunswick seat in the Victorian election in 2018, his second attempt. In a recent interview with the ABC, Dr Read recalled noticing swelling in his leg while getting ready for work. Scans later revealed that his cancer had spread throughout his body.
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