Liberal Senator and former Army Major General, Jim Molan, has died following a battle with cancer.
The 72-year-old passed away surrounded by family on Monday after a “sudden and rapid” decline in health.
“With profound sadness we share that, following a sudden and rapid decline in health after Christmas, Jim died peacefully on January 16 in the arms of his family,” a statement released by the Molan family a short time ago said.
“He was many things – a soldier, a pilot, an author, a volunteer firefighter, and a Senator.
“Most of all, he was an adored husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
“Our loss is immeasurable, but we are comforted in our memoires of a full life courageously lived, devoted to family and in service of the country he loved.
“We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time,” the statement concluded.
Molan, who represented NSW, served in the army for 40 years before retiring.
Tributes are already beginning to flow for the father of four following the sad news this morning.
“Jim Molan lived his life in service of our country,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement.
“He was a man of principle and a politician of conviction. My condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and friends.”
Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley also paid tribute, saying Senator Molan “lived a life of consequence.”
“At every stage, in every walk of his extensive service to the Australian people, he was resolutely committed to his country,” she said.
“He led Australian soldiers on operations around the world, defending Australian values and our way of life.
“As a Senator, he championed important policies to strengthen Australia’s defence and national security.
“The Molan family have lost a loved one, the Parliament has lost an intellectual giant and the country has lost a great man.
“Our hearts break for the Molan family and we send Anne, Sarah, Erin, Felicity, and Mick our deepest condolences.”
Senator Molan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2021.
