Our beautiful daughter, Ashleigh passed away last year at the age of 23 after a courageous battle with Melanoma. It started off with a lump on her left thigh which she was assured was a harmless wart. By the time Ashleigh was correctly diagnosed, it was too late. I’m calling on the Queensland Attorney-General to review medical negligence laws and make them fairer.

In 2003, after intense lobbying by the medical industry, all state governments changed laws around medical negligence, limiting payouts that doctors can be liable for in case of medical negligence. This was to ensure their medical insurance costs wouldn’t be excessive. These changes limited the rights of family members to be able to only recover medical costs associated with the deceased person.

I have launched this campaign to fulfil my daughter’s dying wish. If Ashleigh had survived with any permanent damages, she would be liable to claim reparation costs, but despite her death, the doctors get to walk away with as little as paying up her medical expenses.

I want the laws to recognise the pain and suffering Asheigh went through and the loss of Ashleigh’s future which will haunt those of us who are left behind. 

This protection of doctors results in 17% of all melanoma cases being misdiagnosed when a person first goes to see their GP in Queensland. That is another daughter, mother or loved one who will lose their lives due to medical negligence. Please sign this petition to help us take our voices to the QLD Attorney General. 

It was too late for Ashleigh, but help me fulfil my daughter’s dying wish so we can save others who might be in the same situation.