Sunday 3 July 2022 02:39 AM Labor MP Jane Garrett loses cancer battle at age 49 just six months after she ... trends now
A Labor MP who quit politics less than a year ago so she could spend more time with her family has sadly died after a six-year battle with breast cancer.
Jane Garrett, 49, died on Saturday with tributes immediately flowing for the widely respected former Victorian government minister.
Premier Dan Andrews immediately offered her family a state funeral to mark her contribution to Victoria saying she spent her career tirelessly fighting for the rights of working people.
Ms Garrett was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and after a year-long fight, she announced she had undergone a successful operation and was in remission.
However the cancer returned recently and she suffered further complications affecting her health.
Ms Garrett's retirement speech in December 2021, where she spoke about wanting to spend more time with her kids, took on a tragic new meaning following her death this weekend.
'To those who are coming after I wish you all the very best,' she said.
'Finally thank you to my three beautiful children who are the great joys of my life. I'm so looking forward to spending more time with you.'
Former Labor MP Jane Garrett (pictured) died on Saturday following a battle with breast cancer
Her family, including husband James Higgins and their three young children, released a statement on Saturday.
'We are devastated by the passing this afternoon of our beloved mother, sister, daughter, dear friend Jane Garrett, following a long battle with cancer,' they said.
'Unfortunately, Jane's cancer recently returned after some time in remission, and she was admitted to hospital earlier this week.
'We wish to thank the staff at the Epworth Freemasons for their love and care of Jane over the last years and in particular over the past week.
'We will remember Jane always for her contagious love of life and people; her intense compassion and the drive which made her a very fierce advocate for women and those most disadvantaged.
'Her intellect, wit and generosity are irreplaceable, and her loss leaves a huge hole in the Garrett family.
'Jane leaves behind her three children,
