It is with sadness we mark the passing of Senator Jim Molan, AO, DSC.
Senator Molan had a long and distinguished military career, serving in the Australian Army for more than 40 years and reaching the rank of Major General.
He served in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, East Timor, Malaysia, Germany, the United States and Iraq. He was made an Officer in the Order of Australian (AO) for his role in Indonesia and in East Timor, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) by the Australian Government for "distinguished command and leadership in action in Iraq", as well as the Legion of Merit from the US Government.
Senator Molan also served as the Commander of the Australian Defence College, including the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Australian Command and Staff College, and the Australian Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies.
Senator Molan retired from the Australian Army in 2008. He continued to serve the nation as a special envoy for Operation Sovereign Borders from 2013-14, and was elected to the Australian Senate as a Senator for NSW in 2019.
He leaves behind a substantial legacy and will be remembered for his strong leadership, commitment to service, and as a man who served his country with honour.
On behalf of the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force, we extend our condolences to Senator Molan's family and friends at this difficult time.
Greg Moriarty Angus J Campbell, AO, DSC
Secretary General
Department of Defence Chief of the Defence Force
