CANCER IS A TEST FOR ALL
MAYOR Tom Tate does not want to be in the position he finds himself in today, preparing for surgery for bowel cancer.
For him and his family, it is a step into the unknown that too many Gold Coasters have faced or will have to confront at some point. If there are any positives, they can be found not only in the love that family and friends show at a time like this, but also in the Mayor’s courage in urging people to undergo regular screening.
This is a development that was unwanted and certainly not needed, coming so soon after his wife Ruth’s brush with death when she suffered a heart attack in Singapore. Just as Cr Tate became a high-profile advertisement then for the benefits of everyone learning CPR, which he used on Mrs Tate while medical help rushed to her in that busy airport terminal after she fell ill, he has used his own health predicament now to promote regular screening for bowel cancer.
He is to be commended for showing that sort of courage in the face of daunting uncertainty.
Thankfully Mrs Tate has recovered and resumed her “first lady’’ duties.
Gold Coasters will put politics and local government issues aside today and think of Cr Tate and his family. We wish them well and pray for the Mayor’s speedy recovery, just as we pray for all patients as they fight their private health battles.
The gravity of the situation was particularly evident yesterday as Donna Gates was elevated to the role of Acting Mayor, which Cr Tate said was indefinite.
Cr Gates will find herself temporarily with big shoes to fill, since Cr Tate has proven to be a powerful force not only within the city but also in dealing with the other tiers of government, especially as the city heads towards a landmark moment in its history when it will host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The timing of such a health scare is never good, but in this case it tests the city’s ability to keep moving seamlessly through to its moment in the spotlight.
Cr Tate might well be back at work in no time. That is everyone’s wish.
But either way, this situation will be a test for Cr Gates. This is Australia’s sixth largest city. In terms of growth and development, there are few other places experiencing such pressures.
Moving from divisional councillor with the title of Deputy Mayor to the role and responsibilities of Acting Mayor is a big step up for Cr Gates, but it presents an opportunity as she is allowed to step out of Cr Tate’s shadow.
It is unfortunate that as Cr Tate steeled himself yesterday for the battle ahead, attention had been on a trip he made to China where he was understood to have spoken at the launch of Chinese company Forise’s $1.2 billion Spirit tower development in Surfers Paradise. Cr Tate recently updated his register of interests to show flights and accommodation were funded by Hickey Management, a company with links to the developer.
We need to be sensitive to his health issues but as with any elected official, these cannot cocoon him from questions that need to be asked of people in public life.