Victorian Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching has died aged 52 from a heart attack.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese issued a heartfelt response after being informed of her death.
“The Labor family is in shock tonight at the tragic news that our friend and colleague Senator Kimberley Kitching has died suddenly in Melbourne,” Mr Albanese posted to social media.
“My sincere condolences to her family. Kimberley will be missed by us all.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison offered his condolences.
“Deeply saddened at the news Victorian Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching passed away suddenly today, aged just 52,” Mr Morrison said.
“Our deepest condolences go to her family, friends and colleagues.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce also paid his respects, remembering the senator as a “dear friend”.
“I am deeply, genuinely and so terribly upset to hear the tragic news about a dear person and dear friend, Senator Kimberley Kitching,” Mr Joyce said.
“She was a beautiful woman and this is a tragic loss. “I know she is with our Lord, and I offer my sincerest and deepest condolences to her family.”
News of her death has prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and support on social media, with touching tributes from those on all sides of politics.
“Dreadful, devastating news about the thoughtful, kind and resolute patriot Senator Kimberley Kitching,” Liberal senator Andrew Bragg said.
“She was respected by all. It was an honour to serve with her. The nation will feel her loss deeply. All thoughts are with her family and friends. Vale.”
Labor stalwart Kim Carr said Senator Kitching was taken far too young.
“Tragic news about the passing of my caucus and Senate colleague Kimberley Kitching, who has been taken far too young. My deepest condolences to her husband Andrew and family.”
Senator Kitching was born in Brisbane before moving to Melbourne in 1995.
She ran for Labor in the 2013 federal election but was unsuccessful.
Three years later, Senator Kitching won preselection to fill the Victorian seat vacated by Stephen Conroy following his resignation.
She entered the Senate in 2016.
In her maiden speech to parliament, Senator Kitching reflected on her time growing up in Queensland and life in Victoria.
“As a former Queenslander who grew up swimming, a proud holder of a bronze medallion, who continues to enjoy swimming in Victoria’s chillier waters, I am daunted yet delighted to be thrown in the deep end right here and now,” she said.
“I come here to represent everydxjmtzyway Australian people.”
Senator Kitching has been involved in politics since she joined Young Labor as a student.
She acted as vice-president of the party's Victorian Branch and was a Melbourne City councillor before entering federal parliament.
Following the 2019 election, Kitching was included in Mr Albanese‘s shadow ministry as Shadow Assistant Minister Government Accountability.
Kitching is remembered in the Senate for her strong stance on China and opposition to Australia joining the Belt and Road Initiative.
She also held a strong position on Israel, defending criticism on human rights abuses and acting as deputy chair of Parliamentary Friends of Israel.
She has been married to Labor powerbroker Andrew Landeryou since 2000.
