The Wire

Tributes have been flowing for Victoria’s first and only female Premier, Joan Kirner, who passed away after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer two years ago. Prime Minister Tony Abbott called her a trailblazer, while Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said she was a Labor legend. Her legacy includes establishing the Victorian Certificate of Education, environment program, Landcare, and the Australian Chapter of Emily’s List – an organisation dedicated to supporting progressive Labor-aligned women. But for some she was more than a mentor and colleague, she was a trusted friend.