Katie Allen

Dr. Katie Allen, a distinguished Australian politician and renowned pediatric allergist, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 59. Her death followed a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer. Allen served as the Federal Member for Higgins from 2019 to 2022, where she was recognized for her evidence-based approach to policy and her advocacy for medical research and climate action.

Prior to her career in parliament, Dr. Allen was a prominent medical professional, serving as a professor at the University of Melbourne and a senior research fellow at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. She was a world-leading expert in food allergy and population health, authoring over 300 scientific publications. Her work significantly influenced global guidelines for the prevention and management of childhood allergies.

In the political sphere, Allen was known as a moderate voice within the Liberal Party, often bridging the gap between scientific reality and legislative action. She was a vocal supporter of the Australian vaccine rollout during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked tirelessly on committees related to health, aged care, and the environment. Her colleagues remembered her as a formidable intellect with a deep commitment to public service.

Dr. Allen's legacy is defined by her dual contributions to medicine and governance. She remained active in public discourse even during her illness, sharing her journey to raise awareness for rare cancers. She is survived by her husband, Peter, and their four children, who remember her as a devoted mother and a trailblazer in her field.