Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is wishing former Victorian Labor premier Joan Kirner well in her battle against cancer.
Mr Rudd says Ms Kirner is a wonderful Australian he first got to know when she was premier and he a junior staffer in the Queensland Labor government.
"She was an exceptionally strong premier of Victoria. She was handed an exceptionally difficult task to do following the departure of John Cain," he told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
Ms Kirner, 75, has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and has begun treatment in Melbourne.
Mr Rudd said all Australians and Victorians in particular had a deep affection for her.
"All I would say, on behalf of Therese and myself, is we wish her well in what will be a tough fight against cancer," he said.
