Former Howard government minister Jocelyn Newman dies, aged 80

It’s a sad day for Australian politicians, with former John Howard government minister Jocelyn Newman passing away.

Newman’s family confirmed that she died following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She is believed to have passed away peacefully at her New South Wales home, surrounded by family and those closest to her.

A statement by Jocelyn’s two adult children, Campbell Newman and Kate Roff, confirmed the tragic news.

“Campbell Newman and Kate Roff are sad to advise the passing of their Mother – former Senator for Tasmania – The Honourable Jocelyn Margaret Newman, AO,” Mirage News reports the statement reading. “Jocelyn Newman, army wife, mother, grandmother, lawyer, farmer, hotelier, community volunteer, women’s advocate, senator and cabinet minister – a true feminist – died peacefully at Berry, south coast of NSW on the morning of Easter Sunday 1 April 2018 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

https://twitter.com/BreakingNNow/status/980262547805884416

“Her family would like to pay special thanks to the exceptional staff members at Bupa Aged Care Berry for their considerable kindness and care to both Jocelyn and her family. Jocelyn is succeeded by her children Campbell & Kate and her wonderful granddaughters Rebecca, Sarah, Emma and Samantha – four impressive young women who she loved dearly and of whom she would be ever so proud.”

Her family confirmed that a memorial service would be held in Canberra in the next fortnight.

Newman entered politics in 1986 and was known for being a Tasmanian Liberal senator. In addition to her work, she faced two very public battles with cancer in the 1990s, although overcame the disease both times. Her son, Campbell, was once the LNP Premier of Queensland.

People have taken to social media to may their respects to Newman. One person wrote: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Jocelyn Newman AO. A trailblazer for women in the Liberal Party and our nation’s Parliament. Strong, smart and so committed to making a positive difference in our community. My thoughts are with the Newman family”.

Very sad to hear of the passing of Jocelyn Newman AO. A trailblazer for women in the Liberal Party and our nation’s Parliament. Strong, smart and so committed to making a positive difference in our community. My thoughts are with the Newman family.

— Will Hodgman (@WillHodgman) April 1, 2018

Another said: “She was smart and gracious and I admired her view on a minimalist republic,” while a third comment added: “Sad news former Howard Government Cabinet member Jocelyn Newman has passed away aged 80″.

Former Howard Government minister, and Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jocelyn Newman has died aged 80.

Her son, Campbell Newman was LNP Premier of Queensland. #auspol

— Matthew Doran (@MattDoran91) April 1, 2018

Sad news former Howard Government Cabinet member Jocelyn Newman has passed away aged 80. #AusPol

— Jonathan Kearsley (@jekearsley) April 1, 2018

Before she resigned in 1998, Newman had a variety of roles in politics including the Minister for Social Security and the Minister for Family and Community Services.

Do you have a message for Jocelyn Newman’s family? Do you remember her time in politics?