Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin is not expected to recover from an aggressive form of cancer, her family says.
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Last month, Dr Goodwin was rushed to the Royal Hobart Hospital after becoming “extremely unwell” and was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours.
She has spent the past few weeks undergoing a series of tests.
In a statement from her family on Thursday, they said Dr Goodwin was grateful for all the messages of support she had received since falling ill.
“It is extremely sad to convey the news that Vanessa has an aggressive form of cancer and recovery is not expected,” the family’s statement said.
“We understand that this will come as distressing news to all those who know and love Vanessa.
“Vanessa is grateful for all the messages of support and love she has received since becoming ill.”
Dr Goodwin’s family said she would now be withdrawing from public life.
“We are heartbroken that this has happened to someone so talented, so respected, so caring and so loved,” the statement said.
“Our sincere thanks to all the dedicated healthcare professionals who have supported Vanessa.”
An emotional Premier Will Hodgman delivered the news to Parliament that Dr Goodwin would not be returning.
“This is extremely distressing for all of us who know Vanessa – the members of this government are terribly distraught and are consumed with concern for our highly respected and deeply loved colleague,” Mr Hodgman said.
“Vanessa is one of the most intelligent, committed, kind-hearted, loyal people I have ever known and she’s one of my greatest supports and has been for many years.
“She wants me to ensure that the business of government continues and that will happen and we will support her in any way we possibly can.”
Legislative Council president Jim Wilkinson said Dr Goodwin was not only highly-respected in political circles, but in legal circles as well.
“She is extremely popular amongst all her peers, she doesn’t have a bad word about anybody and I think she received the respect she gave to others,” Mr Wilkinson said.
He said while everyone was hoping for recovery, if Dr Goodwin were to retire from her position on the Legislative Council, there would be a bi-election for her Pembroke seat.
Opposition Leader Rebecca White extended the support and sympathy of the party to Dr Goodwin, her family, colleagues and friends.
“We knew Vanessa was facing an enormous challenge but everyone was hoping for different news,” Ms White said.
“No one deserves to be going through what Vanessa is going through right now.
“Vanessa is an intelligent, impressive woman who has always been highly respected by those in the Labor Party, despite being on the other side of politics.”
