Dr Katie Allen, former Liberal MP who held seat of Higgins, dies aged 59

Former Liberal MP Dr Katie Allen has died aged 59.

Dr Allen served as the MP for the now-abolished seat of Higgins from 2019 to 2022, until she was defeated by Labor’s Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah.

In an Instagram post, Dr Allen’s family announced: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Katie (Mum).”

“She spent her life caring for others as a mother, doctor, professor, MP and friend. She is deeply loved.

“She passed in peace surrounded by family and lived a full, beautiful life, all the way to the end.

“We love you so much.”

Earlier this year, Dr Allen announced she had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, cholangiocarcinoma.

Prominent Liberal Party figures have paid tribute to the respected MP on her Instagram.

“Life isn’t fair for many. And for Katie – this was not fair,” former Victorian opposition leader Brad Battin wrote.

“But the changes she made, the people she supported and the beliefs she lived, for many gave them the opportunity they may never have had. And with her support, life was more fair.

“Thank you Katie for everything, and your belief in my views of how to fix a broken justice system to give the next generation a real go.”

Liberal Senator Jane Hume wrote: “She was an extraordinary woman, and an inspirational friend. All my love to Malcolm and all her beautiful children.”

Before entering politics, Dr Allen was a pediatric allergist and gastroenterologist at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Dr Allen was a member of the Indigenous Australians Parliamentarians Working Group and the National Health and Research Advisory Committee (NHRAC), among multiple other positions.

She first entered politics contesting the Victorian state seat of Prahran in 2018 but lost to Greens MP Sam Hibbins.

In 2022, Dr Allen made headlines when she and four other Liberal MPs crossed the floor to vote against the Coalition’s religious discrimination bill.

More to come.