Australia has lost a true patriot and serviceman who demonstrated unwavering dedication to the safety and security of our nation.
Jim Molan served Australia as a soldier, a Senator, a community volunteer and a strategist.
A man of principle, who was willing to make sacrifices for his beliefs, Jim embodied the best of service to nation.
Jim served two terms in the Australian Senate, firstly from December 2017 to June 2019, and again from December 2019 until his death last night. 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.
Bringing 40 years of service in the Australian Army to the Senate, Jim served our nation in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, Germany, the United States and Iraq. He was rightly proud of the role he played alongside so many others in supporting peace and democracy. Major General Molan retired from the Army in July 2008.
As a Senator, Jim used his experiences and analytical skills to champion all aspects of national security policy, from assessments of the threats to Australia through to our sovereign industrial needs and future defence posture. We can best honour Jim’s service by remaining diligent to the enduring safety, security and peace of Australia.
Jim’s death will be felt with great sadness by all his colleagues who all valued his abiding commitment to Australia, his diligence as part of our Liberal Senate team and his thoughtful friendship.
I express our sincere condolences to Jim’s wife Anne, their four children and five grandchildren. Thank you all for sharing Jim with a grateful nation, which is stronger as a result of his tireless work.