Katie Allen, former Liberal MP for Higgins, dies at 59
Politicians from across the ideological spectrum were quick to show their appreciation for Allen.
Albanese wrote about X: “Katie believed deeply in serving her community, her nation and her fellow Australians. She dedicated her life, talents and courage to making our nation a better place. May she rest in eternal peace.”
Victoria’s Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said she was heartbroken by the news.
“Katie was one of the strongest, smartest people I have ever known. She had such a warm heart and was dedicated to the betterment of our country and her beloved local community to the end,” Wilson said on Facebook.
Wilson’s predecessor, Brad Battin, wrote on Instagram: “Life isn’t fair to too many people. It wasn’t fair to Katie either.”
“But the changes he made, the people he supported, and the beliefs he lived by gave many people opportunities they may never have had. And life became fairer with his support. Thank you for everything, Katie.”
Michael O’Brien, another former state opposition leader, said: “I’ve never seen anyone with as much energy, optimism and positivity as Katie.”
Victorian senator Jane Hume said Allen was “an extraordinary woman and an inspiring friend”.
Teal federal MP Monique Ryan, Victoria’s Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos and Labor senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah also paid tribute. Ananda-Rajah took Higgins’ seat from Allen in 2022 and became a senator after Higgins’ abolition.
“I express my gratitude to Dr. Katie Allen for her life of service to the Higgins community and our country,” Ananda-Rajah said. “He rendered outstanding service as a doctor, medical researcher and member of parliament. I offer my condolences to his family, who were a source of pride and strength to him.”
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Allen’s death came just seven months after he announced his diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer that affects the bile ducts.
In this piece last month he told how his medical student daughter Jemima first alerted him to the symptoms.
Before his political career, Allen trained as a pediatrician and served as head of population health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. She has also sat on the board of Cabrini Health, chair of the Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School council and on the advisory board of several medical technology start-ups.
His last public message came barely a week ago, praising his daughter Jemima for earning her medical degree.
