Labor, Liberal MPs unite to pay tribute to Kimberley Kitching

It takes a special person to bring together political enemies in these toxic times. Kimberley Kitching did exactly that on Monday.

Andrew Landeryou, the husband of Kimberley Kitching, delivers the eulogy at his wife’s funeral on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

It takes a special force to bring together political enemies in these toxic times.

But Kimberley Kitching did exactly that at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Monday.

The turnout was extraordinary and saw Labor, Liberal MPs on the eve of an election mourning together under the one roof.

Tony Abbott was there, sitting in the same space as CFMEU boss John Setka; Defence Minister Peter Dutton was there as was Anthony Albanese

The 52-year-old’s husband, Andrew Landeryou, paid tribute to his wife’s “moral courage” in a veiled reference to the bullying she endured at the hands of a “cantankerous cabal” of Labor colleagues who stand accused of bullying her.

CFMEU boss John Setka. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty.

Former PM Tony Abbott. Picture: David Caird

“Moral courage, she had it,” Mr Landeryou said, as he went on to describe her as a “shining beacon” who had “big plans” to one day be Australia’s defence minister or foreign affairs minister.

Mr Landeryou said she was the “senate’s senator” who was “precise. Creative and bold”.

Himself a political figure, Mr Landeryou said his wife was a loyal friend “who didn’t ditch people in trouble” but helped them endure it.

“Courage and self confidence were in her DNA,” he told the funeral.

Bill Shorten addresses Senator Kitching’s funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Referencing the bullying, Mr Landeryou said “there was not one person or one meeting” that was responsible for her sudden death, but that she deserved to be treated better.

Former Labor leader Bill Shorten told the funeral: “We are here to farewell our sister and our comrade … a remarkable woman.”

Mr Shorten said she was being remembered as a fierce campaigner for the underdogs and human rights and spoke of the devastating loss.

“There is a hole in Australian life,” he said.

“To know Kimberley Kitching was to be dazzled by her warmth and intelligence.

“She had a natural gift to put people at ease.”

Mr Shorten said despite her intellect – she spoke five languages – she was not a snob and had a natural way with everyone she met.

“No fear, no malice, no jealousy … that is a recipe for a good life.”

Mr Shorten said she had a great”Labor heart beating in overdrive.”