The life and legacy of late Labor senator Kimberley Kitching has been remembered by politicians across the divide in a special parliamentary tribute, with tearful colleagues describing her as a friend, patriot and warrior.
The Victorian Labor stalwart was 52 when she died suddenly earlier this month from a suspected heart attack.
During a short Senate sitting today, politicians spoke on a condolence motion for Senator Kitching as her husband Andrew Landeryou and other loved ones watched on from the gallery.
As they remembered her, senators placed her favourite flowers, white roses, on her empty chair.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne also brought in a gift from Senator Kitching — a signed copy of Bill Browder's Red Notice, about Vladimir Putin's Russia — and broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her friend.
She spoke about Senator Kitching's fierce campaigning for "Magnitsky"-style laws, allowing Australia to impose sanctions on human rights violators in step with allies.
"She was also a friend."
Senator Payne said she wanted to establish a memorial for all senators who died in office.
"Perhaps we might plant a white rose there for Senator Kitching," she said.
The government's Senate leader Simon Birmingham paid tribute to his Upper House colleague, describing her as a bright and friendly addition to the chamber.
"Kimberley connected in ways that could break down any barriers — a broad smile, an effervescent personality, a sparkling wit, a caring concern and an ability to light up a room," he said.
His Labor counterpart Penny Wong used her condolence motion to describe the late senator as courageous and intelligent.
But she also acknowledged intense speculation surrounding the party's internal politics, after weeks of claims she and colleagues Kristina Keneally and Katy Gallagher chastised, ostracised and isolated Senator Kitching during her time in parliament.
Those claims have been strongly denied.
"Much has been said and written in the days since Senator Kitching's passing," Senator Wong said.
"Many are hurting and many are grieving. I understand that grief and loss can be so profound that it can provoke anger and blame.
Senator Keneally echoed that sentiment.
"Today in this place, I will treat her life and her legacy as I did prior to her tragic death — with deep respect for her intelligence and capacity," she said.
"She was never to be underestimated, she made her own decisions."
When Senator Kitching entered the Senate in 2016 she was considered a controversial captain's pick by then-Labor leader and close friend Bill Shorten because of her time as an official at the disgraced Health Services Union and reputation as a Right faction warrior.
She had been a long-time player in the bitterly contested sphere of Victorian Labor politics, with complicated relationships with some colleagues.
As revealed by the ABC, Senator Kitching complained to a parliament-employed workplace trainer in November last year that she was being bullied.
One of Senator Kitching's close friends, Deborah O'Neil, referenced federal parliament's workplace culture in her speech.
"We need to commit to a kinder, more harmonious place to work and to lead," Senator O'Neil said.
"We need to commit to agreement-making, seeking respectful disagreement rather than torrid taunting and brokenness."
Liberal senator James Paterson also commented on the culture, saying there were "wider lessons" to be drawn about the way politics was functioning in Australia.
Senator Paterson is also from Victoria and part of the "Wolverines" — a cross-party group of parliamentarians campaigning for a stronger stance on China.
"There is no doubt in my mind that she was under significant pressure over the past few months," he said.
"She confided in me about the ostracisation and exclusion she often experienced here in Canberra within her own party.
"Combined with the shift in the balance within the Victorian ALP and her unresolved preselection, she was not herself, something that many of her friends discussed in the last few months."
He also dismissed reports she had leaked to Liberal opponents.
"Given that her friendship with me and other Liberals has been cited as a reason why she was distrusted by some of her own colleagues, I feel duty bound, on the pain of misleading the parliament, to state that she never – not once – inappropriately shared with me internal Labor Party tactics and strategy," Senator Paterson said.
Senator Kitching's death has prompted anger within ALP ranks about the way she was treated by her party and her colleagues.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese has repeatedly ruled out an investigation into the claims of bullying and mistreatment, despite mounting pressure from the government.
