Passing of Kimberley Kitching

10 March 2022

My Senate colleagues and I are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of our friend Senator Kimberley Kitching.

As tonight’s tributes have demonstrated, Senator Kitching was a parliamentarian who worked across the political spectrum, advocating fiercely for issues of importance to her, such as democracy and human rights.

She worked to shine a light on abuses and corruption around the world, and led the charge in the Parliament for an Australian Magnitsky Sanctions Act, which Labor was proud to amend and pass into law last year.

Senator Kitching made significant contributions through a range of parliamentary committees. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, she provided diligent leadership on a number of inquiries, including most recently Australia's engagement in Afghanistan.

She brought a keen interest in Australia's place in the world to this work, examining some of Australia's key diplomatic and defence relationships, as well as issues of vital interest to veterans.

Anybody who knew her, knew her patriotism and determined service to her country. As Anthony Albanese has reflected, she gave so much and had so very much ahead of her.

My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family, particularly her husband Andrew.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.