Ms McGrath, 42, along with her husband - former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath - founded the McGrath Foundation to provide support for breast care nurses and to educate young women about the disease.

Labor MP Sharon Bird extended her sympathies to the McGrath family.

“It is very close to home for many women in Australia and when I heard the news yesterday I was very saddened,” she told reporters.

“Our wishes are with them ... we do understand what a hard time it is and what tremendous admiration the women of Australia have for the work that Jane did.”

Ms McGrath fought a courageous battle with cancer, Labor MP Amanda Rishworth said.

“She certainly was selfless in her constant campaigning for outcomes and money.”

Canberra Greens Senator Christine Milne said many people had believed Ms McGrath would beat cancer and her death was a sad event for everyone.

“She was a big personality in Australia, she fought a big fight, she was a very brave woman,” Ms Milne told reporters.

“A lot of people believed she would just go on forever, because big personalities like that - you think she will actually beat cancer in the end.

“She may not have beaten cancer, but she’s inspired a lot of people.”