Labor leader Bill Shorten says Bob Hawke's legacy will live forever in an Australia he brought together.
The former Labor prime minister died on Thursday, two days before Mr Shorten is favoured by polls to lead the party back to government.
"Tonight the nation and Labor are in mourning. We have lost a favourite son," Mr Shorten said in Sydney.
"Bob Hawke loved Australia and Australia loved Bob Hawke," Mr Shorten said..
"But his legacy will endure forever. Bob Hawke changed Australia for the better. He brought people together, he brought Australia together, he modernised our economy, he transformed our society, he protected our environment."
Mr Shorten said he last saw Mr Hawke at his Sydney home last week.
"He had the sun on his face, a crossword in front of him, a cup of tea. He didn't speak about himself to me. He did, as he always does, asked about the ALP and the election," Mr Shorten said.
"We all loved Bob Hawke. We'll miss him a great deal. May he rest in peace.
"The condolences of my party and my movement to the great Bob Hawke."
