Hawke won government in 1983 and with his treasurer, Paul Keating, oversaw the modernisation of the Australian economy and the accord with the trade union movement.

Hawke's widow, author Blanche D'Alpuget, released a statement saying, "Today we lost Bob Hawke, a great Australian - many would say the greatest Australian of the post-war era."

Labor leader, Bill Shorten, facing an election in two days, paid tribute to Mr Hawkd, saying, "In Australian history, in Australian politics, there will always be B.H. and A.H: Before Hawke and After Hawke. After Hawke, we were a different country. A kinder, better, bigger and bolder country."

Ms D'Alpuget said there will be a private family funeral and a public memorial in the following weeks.