In a devastating announcement that has left Australia in mourning, the family of Dr. Katie Allen, the former Liberal Member of Parliament for Higgins and a renowned pediatric allergist, confirmed her passing on December 23, 2025.

The news broke via a poignant statement posted on her social media accounts, originating from her family home in Albury, New South Wales—a place deeply tied to her roots, where her mother once served as secretary of the local Liberal Party branch.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Katie (Mum),” the statement read. “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.”

Dr. Katrina Jane Allen, born on February 24, 1966, was just 59 years old. Her death comes after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts.

She first revealed her stage 4 diagnosis in May 2025, shortly after unsuccessfully contesting the seat of Chisholm in the federal election.

What many did not know at the time was that she had been privately fighting the disease since November 2023, choosing not to disclose it during her campaign to avoid influencing voters with sympathy.

As a pediatric allergist and gastroenterologist, Dr. Allen was a world-class expert in child allergies and food-related conditions. Before entering politics, she dedicated decades to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and served as director of the Centre for Food and Allergy Research at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Her groundbreaking work earned her recognition as an Inaugural Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences in 2015. She held a PhD from the University of Melbourne and had conducted research at the University of Cambridge.

One parent who benefited directly from her expertise shared a personal tribute that echoes the sentiments of countless families: “Katie was a pediatric allergist and a leading expert in child allergies.

As a parent with a child suffering from allergies, I witnessed firsthand her outstanding professional knowledge, highly regarded and considered world-class.”

Dr. Allen’s transition to politics in 2019 saw her win the traditionally safe Liberal seat of Higgins in Victoria’s inner south-east Melbourne. She served as the Member for Higgins until 2022, when she was defeated by Labor’s Dr.

Michelle Ananda-Rajah in a historic swing—the first time Labor had ever claimed the seat since its creation in 1949.

During her time in Parliament, Dr. Allen made headlines for her principled stand in February 2022, when she crossed the floor alongside four other Liberal MPs to support amendments extending stronger anti-discrimination protections to transgender students and staff in religious schools.

“I feel like I’ve stood up for what I believe in,” she said at the time.

She was also a passionate advocate for child health, co-convening parliamentary groups on UNICEF, child and adolescent health, and cancer care. Her focus remained on the people she served, blending her medical expertise with public policy.

After losing Higgins, Dr. Allen contested Chisholm in 2025, showing remarkable determination despite her private health struggles. In a November 2025 interview with The Age, she reflected on keeping her diagnosis secret: “I didn’t want to be defined by the C-word.

I didn’t want people to vote for me, or not, because I had cancer.”

Tributes poured in from across the political divide, highlighting her intellect, warmth, and dedication.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote: “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.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley described her as “a trailblazer in every sense”: “She did things differently, and she did them her way.

You only had to be in a room with her to feel her passion—for women, for medicine, for education, for the Liberal Party, and above all for people who needed a helping hand.”

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison praised her “extraordinary talents, passion and love,” noting her unwavering focus on helping others.

Former colleague and Canberra housemate, Senator Simon Birmingham, shared: “Katie my friend, my Canberra housemate, my fellow political warrior, and a true servant of the people, may you rest in peace.”

Even those on the opposite side of politics paid respect. Senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah, who defeated her in 2022, said Dr. Allen “served with distinction as a doctor, medical researcher and parliamentarian,” offering condolences to her family.

Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson called her “one of the strongest, most intelligent people I have ever known,” while former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg described her as “brave, bright and beautiful… a cut above the rest.”

Dr. Allen is survived by her husband Malcolm, four children, one grandchild, and a legacy that spans medicine, research, and public service. Colleagues, patients, and constituents remember her not just for her achievements, but for her kindness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making the world better—especially for children.

As one tribute noted, “Life isn’t fair for many. And for Katie—this was not fair.” Yet, in her full and beautiful life, she touched countless others, leaving behind a profound impact that will be deeply missed.

Her family has requested privacy during this time of grief. Dr. Katie Allen’s story is one of extraordinary courage, from the hospital wards saving young lives to the parliamentary floors fighting for justice. Australia has lost a true trailblazer far too soon.