Labor senator Alex Gallacher has died aged 67 after a battle with lung cancer.
The South Australian's death was announced in parliament on Monday, with the Senate suspended as a mark of respect.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said the former truck driver and labourer rose through the ranks as a union official before entering parliament 10 years ago.
"Alex's career was indeed a fine one. We in Labor are very proud of Alex. He was a conscientious, no-nonsense man," he said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Senator Gallacher as a servant of Australia who loved the Labor Party.
"May God bless him," he said.
"May our colleague and friend rest in peace."
