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

Allen represented the Melbourne constituency of Higgins from 2019 until 2022. Earlier this year, she disclosed her diagnosis of a rare cancer type.

Her passing was announced on her Facebook page with the message, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Katie (Mum).”

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

“She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, having lived a full and beautiful life until the very end.”

Allen shared in May that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma that had already spread.

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.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes for Allen, sending his “heartfelt condolences” to her family and friends.

“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,” Albanese said.

Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg described his former colleague as “wonderful”.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of our good friend Katie Allen,” he said.

“Brave, bright and beautiful, Katie was special, a cut above the rest.

“She was a world leader in medical research who I first met through my sister, a fellow paediatrician.

“Later it would be a privilege to be Parliamentary neighbours in adjoining electorates.

“She was a wonderful, hard working local member for Higgins and a big contributor in Canberra, where her deep care for others drove every position she took.

“She was principled and strong, always determined to make a difference, and she did. She will be hugely missed.

“Sending all our love to Malcolm, Monty, Jemima, Arabella and Archie.”