Former long-serving Federal minister Kevin Andrews was remembered for his decades of selfless commitment to the country, his family and his Catholic faith, after his death from cancer aged 69 on 14 December. The husband of Margaret Andrews and father of five served as the Liberal member for Menzies from 1991 until 2022 and held senior positions in the Howard and Abbott governments, including at times as the minister for defence, workplace relations, ageing, and immigration.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has offered a state funeral for the leader, who was respected by colleagues across party lines. “Kevin Andrews dedicated his life to the things he cared for most—family, faith, community and nation,” Albanese said in a statement. “He served all four with integrity and devotion.”
Andrews opposed the re-definition of marriage during the country’s same-sex marriage debate, and as a young backbencher was responsible for the private member’s bill which led to the overturning of Northern Territory’s euthanasia legislation in 1997. His service to the church included decades of leadership in Catholic marriage education along with his wife Margaret, and seven years as a consulter to the Pontifical Council for the Family from 2007.
At the time of his passing, he was serving on the council of Newman Catholic College at the University of Melbourne and as a director of Villa Maria Catholic Homes. “A career is about the individual; a vocation is about a cause. My cause has been the peace, the welfare, and the happiness of the people of Australia,” Andrews said during his valedictory speech, reflecting on his commitment to public service.
Former Prime Minister John Howard paid tribute to Andrews, saying he was a “devout practicing Catholic, guided and sustained throughout his life by his strong Christian faith.” Tony Abbott, who announced Andrews’ death on behalf of his family, made his own statement commending him as a “fine Australian, a highly effective minister, a loyal colleague, and a great friend.” Predicating his time as minister, Andrews’ bill to limit euthanasia was recognized as “one of his finest achievements,” Abbott noted.
“Kevin was honourably and consistently committed to the sanctity of human life,” Abbott said. “He understood the difference between declining to keep alive someone who would otherwise be dead and deliberately killing someone who would otherwise be alive.”
Melbourne Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli posted on social media expressing his “deep sadness” over Andrews’ death. "Among so many gifts he shared, there were three dimensions to Kevin’s life,” he wrote. "He was a man of deep and remarkable faith; committed wholeheartedly to marriage and family; and dedicated to public service. May the saints and angels welcome him to eternal life.”
Andrews’ family said he had been working on several projects, including his memoirs, up until his death. “We are deeply proud of his service to our country, our local community and his party, though shattered by his death after a year-long battle with cancer,” the statement read. “Kevin was devoted to his country, his family, his faith and lived a life of service.”
Kevin Andrews is being remembered as a conservative warrior and “man of conviction” after he died at 69 following his cancer battle. MPs across the political spectrum shared condolences for the family of the former defence minister and Liberal Party stalwart, who passed with his wife Margie at his side on December 14, 2024.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton praised Andrews as the “finest of men” and “a true Liberal.” Prime Minister Albanese noted the broad agreement across both sides of politics on Andrews being “a man of conviction.” “Kevin Andrews was a man of faith, intellect, and service—a true stalwart of the Liberal Party and adornment to the Parliament,” Dutton said.
Andrews, born in Sale, eastern Victoria, moved to Melbourne to study law before embarking on his political career, winning Menzies in a 1991 by-election, where he served for 31 years. He rose to prominence during his backbench days with the introduction of the Andrews Bill, which restricted euthanasia rights for the ACT and Northern Territory.
He pushed for several controversial legislation as cabinet minister, backing measures like citizenship tests and WorkChoices. He showed loyalty to Abbott during the leadership challenge from Malcolm Turnbull and unsuccessfully stood against Julie Bishop for deputy leader.
“He was a stalwart champion for his faith and our conservative values. His untimely passing has shocked us but as we mourn him, we should honor the strength of his convictions, even those we may not have shared,” Turnbull remarked, reflecting on Andrews’ legacy.
Andrews advocated for traditional family values, opposing abortion, same-sex marriage, and stem cell research. His commitment to public service was evident until his death, where he emphasized he went to politics to make meaningful change for Australian families.
Andrews left behind a legacy characterized by his long service and dedication, with politicians and community members reflecting on the impact he made throughout his life.
