Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

Today we pause to honour the life and legacy of Kevin Andrews, a man whose dedication to public service spanned more than three decades and whose principled approach to politics shaped so much of our national conversation. His passing represents a significant moment in our parliamentary history.

Kevin represented his electorate of Menzies for over 30 years. That in itself is a remarkable achievement and reflects not just the trust of his constituents but also a clear connection to the community that he served. In this place he was known for his methodical approach to policy, his careful consideration of complex issues and his ability to articulate his position with immense clarity. Throughout his distinguished career, Kevin served in some of the most challenging portfolios in government—Defence, Social Services, Employment and Workplace Relations—and to each role he brought a characteristic thoroughness and intellectual rigour. Even those who disagreed with his conclusions couldn't fault his dedication to understanding the complexities of each portfolio. Kevin's approach to public life was exemplified by a willingness to take difficult positions based on deeply held principles and to defend those positions with rigorous argument rather than rhetoric.

What struck me most about Kevin was his invariable courtesy in debate. In an era where political discourse often generates more heat than light, he maintained a steady commitment to civil dialogue. He demonstrated that it is possible to hold strong convictions while treating those who disagree with you with respect and dignity. This is perhaps one of the most valuable lessons for our current political and social climate. We should also seek to follow this example in and outside this place.

While it's well known that Kevin served in many senior ministerial roles in both the Howard and Abbott governments, I personally got to know him when he'd been recently returned as a backbencher and he stepped up to the role of Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS. This was one of the first committees that I served on in this place. I learned so much from him there—from procedural issues, to dealing respectfully with colleagues from right around the chamber, to dealing sympathetically and professionally with witnesses and contributors, balancing candour with competence and with kindness. Kevin displayed not just his diligence and his thoroughness but also a genuine commitment, embedded in his deep faith, to looking after those who are unable to look after themselves.

Kevin will always be remembered as a stalwart of the conservative side of the Liberal Party. But so often conservatism is easily and, dare I say, lazily seen as a euphemism for hard-heartedness. That was not Kevin Andrews. His advocacy for social services reform and his commitment to supporting vulnerable Australians spoke to a genuine concern for those in need. His Catholic faith, which informed so much of his world view, was matched with a practical compassion.

His legacy is a reminder that, while we may differ on policy approaches or ideological perspectives, the desire to improve lives can unite those across the political spectrum. The tributes from across the political divide—from the current Prime Minister, from former prime ministers Howard, Abbott and Turnbull, from the former leader of the opposition Bill Shorten—all speak to the respect that Kevin earned through his approach to public life. Each acknowledged his unwavering commitment to his principles, even when they disagreed with his position.

For the Liberal Party, Kevin's passing marks the end of an era. His parliamentary career spanned some of our party's most significant moments, from the reforms of the Howard government to the challenges of recent years. He remained a steady presence, consistently advocating for his vision of Liberal values. To his wife, Margie, and to his children and his grandchildren we extend our deepest sympathies. While the nation has lost a dedicated public servant, you have lost a husband, a father and a grandfather. We hope that you find comfort in knowing that his legacy of principled public service and civil discourse will continue to influence our national conversation. Kevin Andrews showed us that it is possible to be both principled and respectful, both passionate and measured. In today's political climate that must be, and may be, his most enduring lesson. May he rest in peace.