Beyond Politics: Remembering Kevin Andrews – devout Catholic and true friend across the divide

Kevin Andrews

Unfortunately, for most Australians, Members of Parliament tend to be judged through the rough and tumble of question time. Rather than the contest of ideas, Parliament is seen mainly as a forum for aggressive and spiteful behaviour, primarily designed for personal attacks on one another. The notion that genuine friendships are possible across the political divide seems most unlikely.

Not long after I entered Parliament following the Werriwa byelection, I was invited to speak at a forum hosted by The Centre for Religious Liberty. Kevin Andrews also participated in the same event.

At the time,  I knew Kevin to be the Industrial Relations Minister responsible for  WorkChoices, one of the most divisive pieces of legislation that had a polarising effect on society. So, I might be forgiven for thinking that Kevin was an extreme right-wing politician, more concerned about the big end of town than the lives of ordinary people.

Despite our political differences, I soon realised that there was much more to Kevin and that we shared much in common. The advancement of human rights, matters of social justice, the right for people to practice their religious beliefs free from discrimination and other matters of conscience. On reflection, I think this convergence of views and values came from the fact that Kevin and I also adhered to the Catholic faith.

Around the same time, my wife Bernadette was chairing the parliamentary partner’s group — a bipartisan group supporting the spouses and partners of MPs and Senators. Bernadette and Kevin’s wife, Margaret, developed a close personal friendship over this period that has outlived our time in the Parliament.

One weekend between Parliamentary settings, we invited Kevin and Margaret to join us at our holiday house on the south coast. On Sunday morning, they accompanied us to Mass in Ulladulla. Knowing me and recognising Kevin, the priest decided to change his prepared homily. Dealing with societal differences and the need to respect others, he decided to announce our presence to the congregation. He said, “We are joined today by two members of the Federal Parliament, one Liberal and one Labor and their spouses. Despite their political differences, they are clearly able to enjoy each other’s company.” Essentially, we became the unwitting examples underpinning his well-intention sermon of respect and tolerance. So much for a private getaway.

Chris Hayes

Whenever Kevin chaired parliamentary committees or when acting as Speaker of the House, he always acted fairly and respectfully to all members, regardless of their views or party affiliations.

As a person, Kevin was never embarrassed to declare his faith, which clearly shaped many of his views, and he always conducted himself in a respectful and honourable manner. He was a decent man whose love for Margaret and family was evident, as was his devotion to the Catholic Church.

It has been my privilege and honour to have known Kevin Andrews, to work with him and above all, to share a personal friendship.

May he rest in peace.

• Chris Hayes, former Federal MP for Fowler & Werriwa and Chief Whip for the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party