Victorian MP Dr Tim Read's Last Words: Smiles Over Bucket List

State Greens MP Dr Tim Read passed away on Saturday at the age of 64, following a battle with metastatic cancer. His final parliamentary words, shared shortly before his retirement announcement, reflected a profound shift in priorities: "My bucket list is no longer important to me... it's more important to me now to see smiles on the faces of those I love." Read, a former general practitioner and sexual health specialist, was elected to the inner-north Melbourne electorate of Brunswick in 2018.

Prior to entering parliament, Read had a distinguished career as a doctor and scientist, completing a doctorate and publishing extensively on human papillomavirus and HIV. Upon his election, he transitioned to full-time MP, becoming a prominent campaigner for issues such as climate change, over-incarceration, and Indigenous Victorians' deaths in custody. His legislative achievements include advocating for reforms such as pill-testing, tobacco licensing, and bans on solitary confinement.

Read also championed integrity in politics. He introduced laws requiring ministers to make diaries public and establishing an independent parliamentary integrity commissioner. He chaired the integrity and oversight committee, leading a landmark inquiry that strengthened Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog, IBAC. Tributes from across the political spectrum lauded his dedication to integrity, respect, and public service. In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations to Friends of the Earth and the Inner North Community Foundation.