Katie Allen, former Liberal MP for Higgins, dies at 59
Politicians from across the ideological spectrum were quick to show their appreciation for Allen.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote of 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.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of Allen’s death and offered her condolences to the former MP’s family.
“Katie was a pioneer in every sense. She did things differently and did things her own way. You only had to be in the same room with her to feel her passion. Passion for women, for medicine, for education, for the Liberal Party and, most of all, for people who needed a helping hand,” Ley said.
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.”
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“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.”
The woman who ended Allen’s political career also paid tribute to him.
Labour’s Michelle Ananda-Rajah took Higgins’ seat from Allen in 2022.
Ananda-Rajah, now a senator, said Allen “served with distinction as a physician, medical researcher and parliamentarian.”
“I offer my condolences to his family, who are a source of pride and strength for him.”
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.
