Former defence minister Kevin Andrews (69) passes away
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A sad note has struck the Australian political landscape.
Former defence minister and long-serving member for Menzies, Kevin Andrews, has passed away at the age of 69.
Kevin Andrews' passing followed a year-long battle with cancer.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott shared news of his passing through a statement posted on social media.
The statement, which came from the Andrews family, highlighted their pride and grief.
'Kevin was devoted to his country, his family, and his faith and lived a full life of service,' the statement read.
'Right up to his death, he was working on a number of projects, including his memoirs, which we will endeavour to have published posthumously.'
He was a stalwart of the Liberal Party and a prominent figure in the party's right-wing, who was a staunch advocate for conservative causes.
His political career spanned over three decades, and he held significant cabinet positions in the Howard and Abbott Coalition governments.
His roles included minister for defence, social services, immigration, ageing, and workplace relations, reflecting his broad influence and commitment to public service.
Tributes for Kevin Andrews poured in from across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged Andrews as a strong advocate who maintained a personable approach.
'Kevin Andrews was old-school; he could have strong views but always put them forward politely and appropriately. He is someone who was respected for that across the parliament,' Albanese remarked.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton remembered Andrews as a man of faith, family, intellect, and service.
'A writer and a deep thinker, Kevin published many books and articles over the years on varied and wide subject matters—from liberalism to the family unit, and even one on cycling, which was a great passion of Kevin's,' Dutton stated.
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also paid homage to Andrews and called him a 'champion for his faith and his conservative values'.
Born in Gippsland, Victoria, Andrews moved to Melbourne to pursue law at Monash University and the University of Melbourne.
He served as an associate to Sir James Gobbo at the Supreme Court of Victoria before embarking on a career as a barrister.
His political journey began with a by-election victory in Menzies in 1991—a seat he would hold for the next 31 years.
Andrews introduced the Andrews Bill in 1996, which limited the rights of the ACT and Northern Territory to legislate on euthanasia.
This law stood for 25 years until its repeal in 2023.
Despite his preselection defeat in January 2021 to former military commando Keith Wolahan, Andrews remained committed to his constituents.
'The greatest privilege an Australian can have is to serve in the federal parliament,' he said as he reflected on his tenure.
As the nation mourns the loss of Kevin Andrews, his dedication to public service and his unwavering principles should be a testament to his character. His passing is not only a loss to his family and the Liberal Party but to the broader Australian community that he served with distinction.
May he rest in peace.
Former defence minister and long-serving member for Menzies, Kevin Andrews, has passed away at the age of 69.
Kevin Andrews' passing followed a year-long battle with cancer.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott shared news of his passing through a statement posted on social media.
The statement, which came from the Andrews family, highlighted their pride and grief.
'Kevin was devoted to his country, his family, and his faith and lived a full life of service,' the statement read.
'Right up to his death, he was working on a number of projects, including his memoirs, which we will endeavour to have published posthumously.'
Prior to his political career, Kevin Andrews was also a sports broadcaster and a cyclist. Image Credit: Kevin Andrews
He was a stalwart of the Liberal Party and a prominent figure in the party's right-wing, who was a staunch advocate for conservative causes.
His political career spanned over three decades, and he held significant cabinet positions in the Howard and Abbott Coalition governments.
His roles included minister for defence, social services, immigration, ageing, and workplace relations, reflecting his broad influence and commitment to public service.
Tributes for Kevin Andrews poured in from across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged Andrews as a strong advocate who maintained a personable approach.
'Kevin Andrews was old-school; he could have strong views but always put them forward politely and appropriately. He is someone who was respected for that across the parliament,' Albanese remarked.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton remembered Andrews as a man of faith, family, intellect, and service.
'A writer and a deep thinker, Kevin published many books and articles over the years on varied and wide subject matters—from liberalism to the family unit, and even one on cycling, which was a great passion of Kevin's,' Dutton stated.
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also paid homage to Andrews and called him a 'champion for his faith and his conservative values'.
Born in Gippsland, Victoria, Andrews moved to Melbourne to pursue law at Monash University and the University of Melbourne.
He served as an associate to Sir James Gobbo at the Supreme Court of Victoria before embarking on a career as a barrister.
His political journey began with a by-election victory in Menzies in 1991—a seat he would hold for the next 31 years.
Andrews introduced the Andrews Bill in 1996, which limited the rights of the ACT and Northern Territory to legislate on euthanasia.
This law stood for 25 years until its repeal in 2023.
Despite his preselection defeat in January 2021 to former military commando Keith Wolahan, Andrews remained committed to his constituents.
'The greatest privilege an Australian can have is to serve in the federal parliament,' he said as he reflected on his tenure.
May he rest in peace.
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