Senator Abetz's wife loses cancer battle

The wife of Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has died after a long battle with cancer.

In a statement, Senator Abetz confirmed his wife Michelle had succumbed to cancer which she had been battling since 2015.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank our many friends who have been so incredibly supportive in recent years which has provided Michelle so much courage and strength to fight this very long battle," he said.

"We have been sustained by our Christian faith during this period and thank the Christian community around Australia for their prayerful support."

Senator Abetz also thanked the media for allowing his wife's cancer battle to be kept private since 2015.

"To that end, on behalf of my family and myself, I ask for privacy at this difficult time," he said.