Kevin Andrews, a long-serving Liberal MP and former defence minister, has died aged 69 following a year-long battle with cancer.
Andrews passed away on Saturday, surrounded by his wife Margie and family, according to a statement shared by former prime minister Tony Abbott.
“We are deeply proud of his service to our country, our local community, and his party, although shattered by his death.”
Abbott lauded Andrews as a “fine Australian” and highlighted his ongoing projects, including memoirs planned for posthumous publication.
Andrews represented Melbourne’s Menzies electorate for 31 years, serving in the cabinets of John Howard and Tony Abbott. A senior figure in the Liberal Party’s right wing, he held key portfolios including defence, social services, immigration, and workplace relations.
Known for his staunch conservative values, Andrews made headlines in 1996 with the Andrews Bill, which restricted the ACT and Northern Territory from legislating on euthanasia—a law that stood for 25 years. He also championed WorkChoices, a controversial industrial relations policy, and introduced Australia’s citizenship test.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described him as a man of “integrity and devotion,” adding,
“Kevin’s Liberal colleagues and his Labor opponents would agree he was a man of conviction.”
Opposition leader Peter Dutton paid tribute to Andrews’ faith and intellect, calling him “a stalwart of the Liberal Party and adornment to the Parliament.”
Colleagues from across the political spectrum honoured his dedication to public service, his faith, and his commitment to family. Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto acknowledged his advocacy for defence, social services, and his local community.
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd paid tribute to Kevin Andrews, describing him as “a formidable but principled adversary” and “a committed man of faith.”
The Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, remembered Andrews as a man of “faith, family, and service.” Former Labor leader Bill Shorten also acknowledged Andrews’ conviction, stating,
“While we were opposed on many political fronts, I respected that he always fought for his values.”
During his parliamentary career, Andrews also chaired significant committees on the family law system and the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Outside politics, he authored books on topics such as marriage and Australian history.
Andrews retired in 2022 after losing a preselection battle for Menzies, ending a record tenure as the longest-serving federal MP at the time.
Funeral details are yet to be announced. Andrews is survived by his wife Margie and their five children.
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