Family, friends and high profile MPs have gathered in Canberra to farewell senator Jim Molan, who died after a “sudden and rapid” decline in health, aged 72.
Mourners arrived at the ANZAC Memorial Chapel of St Paul on Wednesday morning.
The Liberal senator and former Army major general was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2021.
He died peacefully in the arms of his family on Monday January 16.
Governor-general David Hurley, former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison, opposition leader Peter Dutton and other Liberal frontbenchers were in attendance.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keough were also in attendance for the government.
Senator Molan’s coffin was carried in through a military honours as bagpipes played Amazing Grace, and was followed by his family, who were seen wiping away tears as they approached the chapel.
His daughter, Sky News presenter Erin Molan, led the group, dressed in black and carrying a red book.
Once inside, the Senator’s coffin was guarded by a catafalque party.
Speaking ahead of the funeral, deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley said she would miss her “dear friend”.
“I have some wonderful recollections of Jim and his love for regional New South Wales,” she said.
“He just jumped in a car and he drove wherever he needed to, and there are long miles across the patch.
“So he was a soldier. He was a senator. He was a servicemen to his country in so many ways, most recently in the federal parliament.
“I will miss him as a dear friend and a dear colleague and I’m honoured to be here.”
In a notice announcing his funeral, Senator Molan’s family urged donation to charity in his memory, in lieu of flowers.
Following his death, his loved ones said the loss was “immeasurable”.
“He was many things – a soldier, a pilot, an author, a volunteer firefighter, and a senator,” the statement read.
“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.”
In his tribute to the senator, Liberal leader Peter Dutton said the nation has lost a “true patriot”.
“Whether you knew Jim or met him for the first time, he drew you in immediately with his warm and captivating quality,” Mr Dutton said.
“In turn, you always had Jim’s undivided attention. He always displayed generosity to the views of others, even those with whom he disagreed.”
Senator Molan is survived by his wife Anne, four children and five grandchildren.
Prior to entering politics, the Senator’s military career spanned 40 years and has been credited as one of the architects of Operation Sovereign Borders – a hard line military-led policy to deter asylum seekers arriving by boat.
He entered parliament in 2017 after Fiona Nash was disqualified over her dual citizenship.
In 2019, he was relegated to the unwinnable fourth position on the Liberal Senate ticket but was later appointed to the casual vacancy caused by the departure of Arthur Sinodinos.
He was re-elected to the Senate at the 2022 federal election.
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