Senator Jim Molan dead at 72

Liberal Senator and former Army major general Jim Molan, the father of prominent Australian media identity Erin Molan, has died at the age of 72.

Liberal Senator and former Army major general Jim Molan has died at the age of 72.

Mr Molan, the father of prominent Australian media identity Erin Molan, died peacefully in the arms of his family, according to a statement released on Tuesday morning.

“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,” the statement 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.”

Senator Jim Molan has died aged 72. Picture: Richard Dobson

The family said their loss was “immeasurable” but were “confident in our memories of a full life courageously lived, devoted to family and in service of the country that he loved”.

“We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time,” the family said.

Military and political career

Mr Molan was a Senator for NSW between December 2017 and June 2019, and then again since November 2019.

Mr Molan took time away from politics in 2021 after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

During his military career, Mr Molan held multiple commander roles.

Prior to his two terms in the Senate, Mr Molan was in the Australian Defence Force for more than 40 years, rising to the rank of Major General.

He served in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, Germany, the United States and Iraq.

Erin Molan with her father Jim Molan at their family home outside of Canberra. Picture: Jonathan Ng

In April 2004, he was deployed to Iraq to serve as the Chief of Operations for a new Headquarters Multinational Force that was being planned.

Mr Molan was ultimately made Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.

He retired from the Army in July 2008.

He had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Legion of Merit by the U.S. government.

Political leaders pay tribute to Jim Molan

Tributes started pouring in for Mr Molan on Tuesday morning following news of his death.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his condolences to Mr Molan’s family.

“Jim Molan lived his life in service of our country,” he said on Twitter.

“He was a man of principle and a politician of conviction. My condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and friends.”

Federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton said Australia has lost a patriot and an honourable and incredible family man.

Mr Dutton paid tribute to his colleague on behalf of the Coalition, offering his heartfelt condolences to Mr Molan’s “loves of his life”, especially his “devoted wife Anne, daughters Sarah, Erin and Felicity, son Michael, and five grandchildren”.

“Whether it was on the battlefield, in the political arena, or on the media stage, Jim was admired for his discernment, leadership and unfailingly courteous manner,” Mr Dutton said.

“Whether you knew Jim or met him for the first time, he drew you in immediately with his warm and captivating quality.”

Jim Molan celebrating a birthday with his family despite his health struggles.

Mr Dutton said Mr Molan played a “critical role” in repelling insurgents and ensuring the security of Iraq’s transport and infrastructure when he was Chief of Operations for Coalition forces in 2004.

Later in life Mr Molan continued to give back to his community.

“Jim was a volunteer firefighter and rescue helicopter pilot,” Mr Dutton said.

“He did much to advance research and awareness in the areas of stillbirths, online safety and prostate cancer.”

Mr Dutton said Mr Molan was “immensely popular and respected by his colleagues and the broader Liberal Party family”.

“I know like me they will be grieving today and my thoughts and prayers are also with them,” Mr Dutton said.

Colleagues offer condolences

Former prime minister Scott Morrison told Ben Fordham on the 2GB radio show on Tuesday “Australia has lost a great patriot”.

“It’s a sad morning most of all for all of the Molan family, for Anne and of course Erin and all the other kids and the grandkids,” Mr Morrison said.

“Today, I’m certain they knew (it) would come as Jim battled this cancer bravely for these last few years.

“But what an amazing legacy and what an amazing man all together.”

Jim Molan with his daughter Erin: Tributes have been pouring in for Mr Molan following his death. Picture: Gary Ramage

Mr Morrison pointed to Jim’s achievements throughout his military and political service, but he said Mr Molan’s greatest accomplishment was his family and the love he had for them.

“He was a great man and a great friend, but most of all he was a great dad and wonderful husband and they are great accomplishments in life,” Mr Morrison said.

Retired Army major general Mick Ryan said he was “deeply saddened” by Mr Molan’s passing.

“I first met (Mr Molan) when he commanded the 1st Brigade – he was demanding, professional and a brilliant leader,” Mr Ryan said.

“I loved our long chats over lunch when he was at (Australian Defence College).

“A servant of his nation, he will be sorely missed. Vale Jim.”

Former Liberal MP Tim Wilson said Mr Molan was “a patriot and a ferocious one at that”.

“He will be missed. Much love to his family in this difficult time,” he said.

Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley said, from being a soldier to a senator, her former colleague Mr Molan had “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.”

Jim Molan with his Australian personnel staff in Baghdad during his deployment to Iraq in 2004.

Ms Ley said as a senator Mr Molan 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,” she said.

“Our hearts break for the Molan family and we send Anne, Sarah, Erin, Felicity, and Mick our deepest condolences.”

Liberal senate leader Simon Birmingham echoed the sentiments of his political colleagues.

“Jim Molan served Australia as a soldier, a Senator, a community volunteer and a strategist,” he said.

“A man of principle, who was willing to make sacrifices for his beliefs, Jim embodied the best of service to nation.”

Mr Birmingham commended Mr Molan for continuing his senate service “even in the face of serious health challenge”.

“Jim remained diligent in staying abreast of critical issues and determined in his pursuit of actions he believed were critical to Australia’s future security and prosperity,” he said.

Mr Birmingham said Australians could best honour Mr Molan’s career of service by “remaining diligent to the enduring safety, security and peace” of the nation.