Liberal senator Jim Molan dies at 72

Retired Major General and Liberal Senator Jim Molan has died aged 72 after his battle with cancer.

Liberal senator and former major-general, Jim Molan, has died following a battle with cancer. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Liberal senator and former major-general Jim Molan has died following a battle with cancer.

The 72-year-old, who is the father to Aussie media personality Erin Molan, was elected as a federal senator for NSW in 2019, following two years serving within the state.

His family released a statement on Tuesday, announcing that Senator Molan “died peacefully on January 16 in the arms of his family”.

Senator Molan was diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer in 2021.

He took a leave of absence in April that year to begin chemotherapy.

Senator Jim Molan with his daughter, TV and radio personality Erin. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

His family said he had suffered a “sudden and rapid” decline after Christmas before dying peacefully on Monday.

“He was many things – a soldier, a pilot, an author, a volunteer firefighter, and a senator,” they said.

“Most of all, he was an adored husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

“Our loss is immeasurable, but we are comforted in our memories of a full life courageously lived, devoted to family and in service of the country he loved.”

The Liberal Party will choose someone to fill his place in the Senate for the remainder of his term, which would have expired in 2028.

Erin Molan and Dave Hughes filming TVC for new 2Day breakfast show at Bondi Beach. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Politicians have been quick to pay tribute to the former serviceman and senator.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him a “man of principle and a politician of conviction”.

“Jim Molan lived his life in service of our country,” he tweeted.

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

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he received the news with “great sadness” and said Senator Molan was “immensely popular and respected” by his colleagues and the Liberal Party.

“On behalf of the Coalition, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the loves of his life, especially his devoted wife Anne, daughters Sarah, Erin and Felicity, son Michael, and five grandchildren,” a statement from Mr Dutton’s office read.

“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.

“Whether you knew Jim or met him for the first time, he drew you in immediately with his warm and captivating quality. In turn, you always had Jim’s undivided attention. He always displayed generosity to the views of others, even those with whom he disagreed.”

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have paid tribute to the late Senator. Picture: David Beach/ NewsWire

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, and South Australian Senator, Simon Birmingham said Australia had “lost a true patriot and serviceman who demonstrated unwavering dedication to the safety and security of our nation”.

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

“Even in the face of serious health challenges 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.”

Senator Jim Molan “died peacefully” after a battle with cancer, his family has confirmed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

2GB presenter, Ben Fordham said Senator Molan’s death was “very, very difficult news to comprehend”.

“What a service to his country,” Fordham said.

“He was a wonderful friend of mine, of ours and yours.”

An Instagram post from the 2dayFm radio show, Hughesy, Ed & Erin – which Erin Molan co-hosts with Dave Hughes and Ed Kavalee – also paid tribute to the late Senator.

“Rest in peace to a wonderful man, Senator Andrew James Molan. Our thoughts are with Erin and her family at this time,” the social media post read.

Jim Molan lived his life in service of our country. He was a man of principle and a politician of conviction. My condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and friends.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 16, 2023

During his life, Senator Molan served several military deployments from Iraq, Papua New Guinea, Germany and East Timor.

He received an Officer in the Order of Australian (AO) for his role in Indonesia and in East Timor, and given a Distinguished Service Cross by the Australian Government and the Legion of Merit by the US Government for impressive command and leadership for his role as Chief of Operations in Iraq in 2004.

Once he retired from the military in 2008, Senator Molan entered politics in 2012 and began working with Tony Abbott’s Coalition government on issues like law enforcement and border policy.

Originally published as Liberal senator Jim Molan dies at 72