Dr. Katie Allen, a former federal Liberal MP, has passed away at the age of 59.

Allen represented Melbourne’s Higgins constituency from 2019 to 2022. Earlier this year, she disclosed her battle with a rare cancer.

In a heartfelt message shared on her Facebook page, her family expressed their sorrow: “With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our cherished Katie (Mum).”

“Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to caring for others in her roles as a mother, doctor, professor, MP, and friend,” the post continued.

“She departed peacefully, surrounded by family, having led a rich and beautiful life until the very end.”

In May, Allen had revealed her diagnosis with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer that had already metastasized.

She spoke at the time about feeling “immense gratitude for the life I’ve led”.

“I’m surrounded by love – my family, my friends, my community. I’ve been fortunate to serve both as a doctor and in public life, always with the hope of making things better for others,” she said.