United States embassy pays tribute to Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching after shock death

The United States embassy has paid tribute to Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching after her shock death on Thursday at the age of 52.

The rare move from a diplomatic post came as former Labor Leader Bill Shorten indicated a bitter battle over her pre-selection may have contributed to her death.

US Charge d’Affaires Michael Goldman said Senator Kitching “held a lifelong affection for the United States and its people”.

“In part, this stemmed from her childhood residency in North Carolina. But she also had a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, the founding ideals of the United States,” he said.

“In every interaction with Senator Kitching two things stood out - her zeal for universal human rights and her sharp intellect. I extend my condolences to Senator Kitching’s family. She will be missed by her many friends at the Department of State.”

Since 2019 Senator Kitching served as Co-Chair of the US-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

“Together with counterparts from across the aisle, Senator Kitching was an effective and enthusiastic supporter of the U.S.-Australia relationship,” Mr Goldman said.

Earlier on Thursday former Labor Leader Bill Shorten gave a teary interview on ABC Radio National Breakfast about losing his friend.

His wife Chloe - the daughter of former Governor-General Quentin Bryce - went to school with Senator Kitching and they were family friends with his children referring to her as their aunt.

“To my kids, she was a sort of veritable aunt. So, you - no parent wants to explain to their child that an adult in their life is just no longer there. And how do you explain death and loss. It’s not an easy conversation, I don’t - I’m not unique in that, but it’s still not easy,” Mr Shorten said.

He said Senator Kitching was experiencing “incredible stress” in terms of her Senate position which was under threat.

“She was under great stress. Preselections are never easy. I’m not a coroner, I can’t tell you why this woman at 52 was taken from us, but I have no doubt of the stress of politics and the machinations in the back rooms had its toll,” Mr Shorten.

“There were machinations and arguments going on. Now that does happen, that’s not unique, but we have a woman who’s 52, who’s pulled over by the side of the road and died unexpectedly. That’s… that’s shocking. It’s terrible.

“You do wonder if she would have been better off never going near politics.”