Kimberley Kitching, a Labor senator, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack at the age of 52, prompting tributes from both sides of the political spectrum.
“The Labor family is in shock tonight at the awful news that our friend and colleague senator Kimberley Kitching has died suddenly in Melbourne,” said federal opposition leader Anthony Albanese on Thursday night. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family. Kimberley will be missed by all of us.”
Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister, also expressed his sympathies, calling Kitching’s death “a deep and terrible blow.”
Kitching was described by Morrison as “a serious parliamentarian with a profound interest in Australia’s national security.”
“She demonstrated that her love for her nation was always bigger than any political ideology.” “She certainly loved her nation, and it shined through,” Morrison said in a statement.
“Senator Kitching was a practising Catholic, and we saw her genuine faith in the life of the legislature.” I admired her for following her conscience and being bold.”
Kitching, a Victorian senator since 2016, was a leading factor in Australia’s adoption of Magnitsky-style rules, which allow the country to impose targeted sanctions on foreign officials. She was overjoyed when those laws were passed late last year.