Former defence minister and Liberal Party stalwart Kevin Andrews has died at the age of 69.
Andrews passed away peacefully overnight with his wife Margie at his side, as stated in a message from the family shared by former Liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
The family expressed deep pride in his dedication to the country, local community, and party, despite the sadness of his passing after battling cancer for a year.
”Kevin was devoted to his country, his family and his faith and lived a life of service.
“Right up to his death, he was working on a number of projects, including his memoirs, which we will endeavour to have published posthumously.
“May God bless Kevin. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.”
The federal politician was the member for Menzies in Melbourne from 1991 until the 2022 election.
He was also a minister in both the John Howard and Tony Abbott governments.
During his time in office, he served in various roles in the Howard government such as the minister for ageing, minister for employment and workplace relations, and the minister for immigration and citizenship until his party lost power in the 2007 election.
After the 2009 Liberal leadership ballot, Andrews served in Abbott’s shadow cabinet as shadow minister for families, housing and human services until the 2013 election when his party won government.
Under Abbott’s federal leadership, he served in the cabinet as minister for social services and minister for defence.
Back in 2021, Andrews lost preselection for Menzies to former special forces captain Keith Wolahan, which prompted his exit from politics.
