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Former defence minister and Liberal Party stalwart Kevin Andrews has died at the age of 69.
Andrews died peacefully with his wife Margie by his side overnight, according to a family statement posted by former Liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
"We are deeply proud of his service to our country, our local community and his party, although shattered by his death after a year long battle with cancer," the family said.
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"Kevin was devoted to his country, his family and his faith and lived a life of service.
"Right up to his death, he was working on a number of projects, including his memoirs, which we will endeavour to have published posthumously.
"May God bless Kevin. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly."
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The federal politician was the member for Menzies in Melbourne from 1991 until the 2022 election.
He was also a minister in both the John Howard and Tony Abbott governments.
He served in the Howard government as the minister for ageing, minister for employment and workplace relations, and the minister for immigration and citizenship until the 2007 election when his party lost government.
After the 2009 Liberal leadership ballot, Andrews served in Abbott's shadow cabinet as shadow minister for families, housing and human services until the 2013 election when his party won government.
Under Abbott's federal leadership, he served in the cabinet as minister for social services and minister for defence.
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Former special forces captain Keith Wolahan, the man who ousted Andrews in preselection for Menzies in 2021, said he was "saddened" to learn of his passing.
"Kevin was a man of unwavering principle and conviction, whose dedication to his country, his faith, his family and his community defined his life," Wolahan said.
"His decades of public service were marked by courage, selflessness, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others.
"While much will rightly be said of Kevin's significant contributions to Parliament and our nation, it is his role as a devoted husband and loving father that stands above all.
"His family was the heart of his life and their loss is one shared by all who knew and respected him.
"On behalf of the people of Menzies, I extend my profound gratitude for all that Kevin accomplished and the legacy he leaves behind.
"To his wife, his children and extended family, I offer my deepest condolences.
"Kevin has been taken from you far too soon and he will be greatly missed."
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