Victorian Greens MP Tim Read dies aged 64 after cancer battle

Consensus Summary

Victorian Greens MP Tim Read has died aged 64 after a high-profile battle with metastatic cancer, prompting widespread tributes from across the political spectrum. Elected to represent Brunswick in the 2018 state election, Read became a prominent figure in the Victorian parliament, known for his advocacy on public health, anti-corruption reforms, and social justice issues. His death follows his retirement announcement in January, after scans revealed his cancer had spread throughout his body despite earlier treatment for a melanoma removed seven years ago. The Greens hold the Brunswick seat with a 13.7 per cent margin, and a by-election will not be necessary due to the upcoming November 28 state election.

Read’s political career began with a federal run in the 2013 election as the Greens candidate in Wills, the former seat of Bob Hawke, before shifting to state politics. He stood for Brunswick in 2014 but ultimately won the seat in 2018, ending over a century of Labor dominance since the electorate was created in 1904. Before entering politics, Read was a general practitioner and scientist, completing a PhD while working in HIV and sexual health clinics. His research focused on HIV prevention, antibiotic-resistant infections, and human papillomavirus, and he published over 60 articles on these topics, according to THEAGE.

Tributes from political leaders highlighted Read’s integrity, wit, and compassion. Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell described him as ‘the most liked MP in state parliament,’ praising his ‘conviction, integrity, and genuine humility.’ Premier Ben Carroll remembered him as ‘a man of principle and compassion,’ while Opposition Leader Jess Wilson called him ‘a thoroughly decent person’ who brought ‘sincerity and public duty’ to his work. ABC and 7NEWS both noted his final year in parliament was marked by his fight against the Allan government’s decision to close VicHealth, which he argued had saved lives through health promotion campaigns, including sun safety initiatives that might have reduced his own cancer risk if introduced earlier.

The articles diverge slightly on the timeline of Read’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. While ABC and 7NEWS state he had his melanoma removed seven years ago, THEAGE claims it was six years earlier, creating a discrepancy in the reported duration of his illness. Additionally, ABC emphasizes his early activism in the mid-1980s as part of the BUGA-UP group, which spray-painted anti-tobacco messages on billboards, while THEAGE focuses more on his later achievements, including his role as chair of the integrity and oversight committee in March 2023. Both outlets agree on his legislative contributions, such as reforms on pill testing, tobacco licensing, and anti-corruption laws, but THEAGE provides more detail on his final policy recommendations, including a rent freeze and expanded IBAC powers.

With Victoria’s election approaching on November 28, Read’s legacy will be shaped by his final push to preserve VicHealth and his broader advocacy for public health and transparency. His death leaves a void in the Brunswick community, where he was widely respected for his scientific rigor and dedication to improving people’s lives. Donations in lieu of flowers have been directed to Friends of the Earth and the Inner North Community Foundation, reflecting his commitment to environmental and community causes. As the articles note, his fight against the closure of VicHealth remains one of the defining issues of his political career, underscoring his belief in prevention and public health as central to government priorities.