I first met Kevin Andrews in his ministerial office shortly after the 2004 election, where he interviewed me for the role of Chief of Staff. Although we had crossed paths briefly during the campaign, we had never shared more than a passing conversation – certainly not a coffee from Aussies Café in Parliament House. What immediately struck me during that interview was Kevin’s calm, thoughtful approach. He listened carefully as I shared my experiences, particularly from my time as Ian Macfarlane’s senior energy adviser. I was eager to take the lessons from our energy reform work and apply them to workplace relations, particularly in creating a national system.

Kevin liked what he heard, and with his trademark phrase – ‘Good, Andrew, good’ – our working relationship began.

Kevin’s leadership style was deliberate, measured, and respectful. He was not one for grandstanding or theatrics. Instead, he worked quietly and methodically, always focused on the policies at hand. During his tenure as Minister for Workplace Relations, Kevin oversaw one of the Howard government’s most significant reforms. Alongside a small team of skilled advisers, we compressed five years of policy development into just two. It was gruelling work, but Kevin approached the task with unwavering resolve.

Kevin and Ian Macfarlane, my previous boss, could not have been more different. I often joked that you could hear one of them from the car park at Treasury Place in Melbourne, while the other could sit silently at his desk for hours without anyone noticing (a skill Kevin had honed while working as an associate to Sir James Gobbo). Both having grown up on farms; one was nicknamed ‘Chainsaw’ and the other was simply Kevin.

Yet, despite their differences, both men shared an unrelenting commitment to their work. Whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes, they were dedicated to delivering meaningful reforms that would shape Australia’s future.

They also shared a more personal struggle – both battled cancer. Ian confronted his diagnosis with the same grit and determination that defined his career, and I am grateful he is still with us. Kevin, too, faced his illness with extraordinary courage. Even as cancer took its toll, he remained disciplined and committed to his passions.

Until his final months, Kevin continued to write insightful columns for The Spectator Australia. His contributions reflected his depth of intellect, steadfast conservative values, and ability to engage thoughtfully with the challenges facing Australia. He was also working on his memoirs and had recently launched a book chronicling the history of his local church. These projects were a testament to his drive and dedication, even in the face of immense physical challenges. Being unable to ride his beloved bike frustrated him endlessly.

I last saw Kevin and his wife, Margie, in Melbourne in August. Despite his illness, Kevin greeted me with his characteristic warmth and kindness. We reminisced, shared a laugh, and discussed his work, even tossing around ideas for future columns – including my suggestion to privatise the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. His sense of humour and humility remained intact, even as he faced immense personal challenges.

Kevin’s quiet strength was a hallmark of his character. At times, his reserved nature made it difficult to gauge whether he was entirely satisfied with a decision or policy direction. Yet, that was Kevin – thoughtful, measured, and never one to rush to judgment or assert himself unnecessarily. This quiet approach, however, masked an unwavering determination to achieve meaningful change. Within months of his appointment as Minister for Ageing, aged care vanished from the headlines – a testament to Kevin’s effectiveness and resolve.

He was equally at ease as a local MP, at the Cabinet table, or engaging with business leaders. The true measure of the man emerged during moments of humanity and compassion. I vividly recall driving back from the funeral of a young staff member’s husband, who had tragically died of cancer. I said to him, ‘We look after our own, Kevin.’ He was already ahead of me.

Kevin was a role model for how public life should be conducted, focusing on service rather than self-interest. Despite spending nearly a decade in the House of Representatives before earning a ministerial position, he never wavered in his dedication to the people of Menzies and the nation.

As Kevin declared in his valedictory speech on March 31, 2022:

‘A career is about the individual; a vocation is about a cause. My cause has been the peace, the welfare, and the happiness of the people of Australia. As I said when I first spoke in this place over 30 years ago: “Internally, my theme is justice. I declare my political creed here and now. It is that the essential end of government is not power or glory, but the good life for ordinary men and women.”’

Kevin was not just a reformer or a politician – he was a devoted husband, father of five, and a loyal friend. His love for Margie and their family was evident in everything he did. He balanced the demands of public life with his private responsibilities, always making time for those who mattered most. The outpouring of messages I have received since his passing speaks volumes.

For me, Kevin was more than a boss – he was a mentor and a friend. Over the two decades I knew him, I admired his ability to remain true to his values while navigating the complexities of public service. He was a man of faith, integrity, and quiet determination, and those qualities defined every aspect of his life.

Kevin Andrews was both a gentle man and a gentleman. His legacy is one of service, courage, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of Australia. He leaves behind a lasting impact on those who worked with him, those who read his words, and those who benefited from the reforms he championed.

I will miss him.

Andrew Blyth was Chief of Staff to the Honourable Kevin Andrews, 2004-2006