A Legacy of Advocacy and Integrity
Tim Read, the Victorian Greens Member for Brunswick, has died at the age of 64 following a high-profile battle with metastatic melanoma. His death was announced on Saturday by Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell, who described him as the most liked MP in the state parliament, citing his rare combination of conviction, integrity, and humility as reported by the ABC.
Dr. Read, a former general practitioner and medical researcher who specialized in HIV prevention and sexual health, entered parliament in 2018 after a second attempt to win the seat of Brunswick. He had previously announced his retirement from politics in January 2026 following his cancer diagnosis, which he revealed last year after noticing swelling in his leg.
Cross-Party Respect and Policy Impact
Throughout his parliamentary career, Dr. Read gained a reputation as a bridge-builder who maintained strong professional relationships with political opponents. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, who spoke with Dr. Read earlier this week, praised his commitment to integrity in public life, while Opposition Leader Jess Wilson noted that he was an “honest broker” who approached discussions with respect, according to 9News.
Dr. Read’s legislative achievements were wide-ranging, encompassing public health and civil liberties. His advocacy was central to the legalization of pill testing, the abolition of public drunkenness laws, and the implementation of a statewide plan to eradicate congenital syphilis and HIV. He also played a key role in securing statutory bans on solitary confinement in Victorian prisons and expanding blood donation rights for gay men.
The Final Fight: VicHealth
In his final year of service, Dr. Read focused his efforts on opposing the Allan government’s decision to close VicHealth, the state’s health promotion foundation. Drawing on his medical background, he argued that the closure represented a “false economy,” warning that weakening health promotion would lead to higher long-term healthcare costs. He often drew parallels to his own experience, noting that earlier public health messaging on sun safety might have altered his own cancer risk trajectory.
Political Implications
While Dr. Read’s passing is a significant loss for the Greens in Victoria, the immediate political landscape remains stable. Because the state is already scheduled for an election on November 28, a by-election for the Brunswick seat will not be required. The Greens currently hold the inner-suburban constituency with a 13.7 percent margin, making it a critical seat for the party to defend in the upcoming cycle.