Former Liberal MP Katie Allen has died aged 59 after developing a rare form of cancer, her family has announced.
Dr Allen served as member for the now-abolished seat of Higgins in Victoria from 2019 to 2022.
Earlier this year, the former Liberal MP revealed she had cancer.
In a post to social media, her family said she spent her life caring for others as a mother, doctor, professor, MP and friend.
The post said she was deeply loved and passed in peace surrounded by family after living a full, beautiful life, all the way to the end.
Dr Allen announced her diagnosis just days after contesting the seat of Chisholm, incorporating part of her former seat of Higgins, in May’s federal election.
Dr Allen challenged Labor MP Carina Garland in the seat of Chisholm in the latest federal election but was unsuccessful.
Crossing the floor
She was one of five MPs to cross the floor and side with Labor on amendments to the religious discrimination bill in 2022.
The bill sought to repeal a section of the Sex Discrimination Act that allowed religious schools to discriminate against students and staff on the grounds of both sexuality and gender identity.
Dr Allen voted with Labor in support of crossbench amendments to extend stronger anti-discrimination protections to transgender students and staff.
“I feel like I’ve stood up for what I believe in,” the then Liberal MP said during a Q+A episode following the move.
In her first speech to parliament in 2019, Dr Allen spoke about the strength of her family through difficult times and outlined her hopes for improving mental health services.
People have been posting tributes to social media, including Victorian Liberal MP Brad Rowswell, who posted on X about Dr Allen’s “incredible legacy” and the “lasting impact” she leaves behind.
“Katie was always crafting a pathway for others; always helping others, even when it must have been so physically challenging to do so,” he said.
“Our state and our nation is better for Katie’s contribution and service.”
Liberal senator Jane Hume described her as an “extraordinary woman and an inspirational friend”.Â
Former Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin paid tribute on Instagram.
“The changes she made, the people she supported and the beliefs she lived, for many gave them the opportunity they may never have had,” he said.
In her tribute, Victorian MP Bridget Vallence said Dr Allen had been her son’s paediatric allergist at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“Katie was a truly exceptional individual,” she said on social media.
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