Dr. Katie Allen, a former member of the Australian House of Representatives for the Liberal Party, has died at the age of 59 after a battle with a rare form of cancer known as cholangiocarcinoma. Her family announced her passing on social media on the evening of October 31, 2023, expressing their heartbreak and love for her.
In their heartfelt message, Dr. Allen’s family wrote, “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.” They added that she “passed in peace surrounded by family and lived a full, beautiful life, all the way to the end.”
Dr. Allen, who worked as a pediatric allergist and gastroenterologist at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital prior to her political career, represented the now-abolished seat of Higgins in Victoria from 2019 until 2022. Known for her progressive stance, she notably crossed the floor in 2022 to support amendments to a religious discrimination bill aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in educational settings.
Legacy of Advocacy and Support
Dr. Allen was one of five MPs who took a stand by siding with the Labor Party on the bill, which sought to repeal provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act that allowed religious schools to discriminate against students and staff based on sexuality and gender identity. Reflecting on her decision, Dr. Allen remarked, “I feel like I’ve stood up for what I believe in,” emphasizing her commitment to protecting transgender students.
In her inaugural speech to Parliament in 2019, Dr. Allen expressed her desire to improve mental health services. Her personal experience with a peanut allergy fueled her passion for allergy research and advocacy. In 2020, she served on a parliamentary committee advocating for clearer food labeling to assist those with allergies.
Tributes and Remembrances
Leaders from both sides of the political spectrum have paid tribute to Dr. Allen. Opposition leader Sussan Ley described her as a person of “exceptional intellect, courage, and warmth,” calling her a “trailblazer in every sense” in a statement. Ley noted, “Katie did things differently, and she did them her way,” highlighting her passion for women, medicine, education, and her dedication to helping those in need.
Stonnington Councillor Steve Stafanopoulos expressed his devastation at the news, referring to her as “an extraordinary leader of our community taken far too soon from her family and friends.” Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson remembered Dr. Allen as “one of the strongest, most intelligent people I have ever known,” praising her commitment to her community and the nation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also shared condolences, stating, “Katie believed deeply in serving her community, her nation and her fellow Australians. She dedicated her life, her talents, and her courage to making our nation a better place. May she rest in eternal peace.”
Dr. Katie Allen’s legacy as a compassionate advocate for health and equality will be remembered by many, leaving a profound impact on her community and the political landscape in Australia.
