The Hon. Kevin Andrews (1955–2024), gone to his eternal reward
Tribute written by John Morrissey
It is with great sadness that Endeavour Forum notes the passing of our friend and patron, the Hon. Kevin Andrews, late of the federal parliament's House of Representatives. On his retirement from politics in 2022 he was hailed as the Father of the Parliament, after serving as member for the electorate of Menzies from 1991 to 2022, as the holder of numerous ministerial portfolios in the Howard and Abbott governments, and as mentor for all conservative MPs.Our friend Kevin passed away peacefully overnight after a battle with cancer in 2024. He leaves behind a grieving family, his wife Margie and adult children and grandchildren, whose tribute to him could not be bettered. It described him as "devoted to his country, his family and his faith and lived a life of service". He was always guided by his Christian beliefs in his public life, and did not park his faith at the door, as some do when they enter politics.
Kevin was a good friend to Babette Francis and Endeavour Forum, and was a regular speaker at the public meetings which she held. Along with Tony Abbott, Senator Eric Abetz and others, he provided a rock of Christian conservative presence in the Australian parliament which defied the nihilistic forces which bedevil it today.
Although his memoirs have yet to be completed, he published One People, One Destiny: A Work in Progress (Melbourne: Threshold Publishing 2017), a collection of his writing and speeches over a long career, with a foreword written by former prime minister John Howard. See Endeavour Forum Newsletter, No. 175, February 2020: See Endeavour Forum Newsletter, No. 175, February 2020
In it the breadth of his interests and experience surprises the reader. This volume reflects not only the man himself, but the role he played as a trusted trouble-shooter for two prime ministers and how he immersed himself in gaining a command of these important portfolios, ranging from Aged Care, through Social Services and Immigration to Defence.
Above all, Kevin Andrews was a faithful practising Catholic throughout his life, a husband and father, and a patriotic Australian. His vision for Australia was as a civil society, made up of "families, neighbourhood life, and the web of religious, economic, educational and civic associations" that sustain it.
We at Endeavour Forum and our supporters offer our prayers for Kevin's eternal rest and our condolences to his family.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
