Former Victorian premier Joan Kirner is battling cancer, which was diagnosed last month. She is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for oesophageal cancer at Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Ms. Kirner was the state's first female premier. She said to be grateful to doctors in a statement for providing her the medical care and much needed attention. She also thanked her friends and family and friends for providing her the support in her worst time of the life.

Despite being constantly hit with the illness in recent years, Ms. Kirner has remained a committed fighter for Labor causes. Her efforts led to spark a greater demand for representation of women in parliament.

Kirner was the state's 42nd premier and she was in the power between 1990 and 1992. After defeating John Cain as premier, she became a high-profile figure in national politics. During that time, she and her cabinet endeavored to cope with a series of financial disasters. Forced sale of the State bank of Victoria was one of them.

Victorian Labor leader Daniel Andrews said, "Our thoughts are with Joan and her family at this time as she undertakes treatment. She's been a real leader for Victorian politics, the Victorian community and particularly Victorian women".