Bob Hawke tributes: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten reflects on his final cuppa with the Labor icon

Bill Shorten has paid tribute to the late Bob Hawke, saying the Labor Party and Australia were in mourning after losing a “favourite son”.

The Federal Labor leader, who changed his travel plans last night after hearing of Mr Hawke’s passing, made a brief statement in Sydney alongside former Labor minister Craig Emmerson.

• RELATED: Tributes pour in for Bob Hawke on social media
• RELATED: Hawke performs Waltzing Matilda at Woodford Folk Festival
• RELATED: Bill Shorten’s tribute to Bob Hawke

He said Mr Hawke’s legacy would endure forever.

“Bob Hawke loved Australia, and Australia loved Bob Hawke,” Mr Shorten said.

“Bob Hawke changed Australia for the better – he brought people together, he brought Australia together, he modernised our economy and he transformed our society.”

Reflecting on their last encounter, Mr Shorten said he had the“privilege” of sitting on Mr Hawke’s back verandah last week.

“He had the sun on his face and a crossword in front of him, and a cup of tea,” he said.

“He didn’t speak about himself to me – he did as he always does, asked about the ALP and the election.

“We all love Bob Hawke and we will miss him a great deal. May he rest in peace.”

Mr Emmerson, who has been providing support to Mr Hawke in recent weeks, said Mr Hawke’s stepson and grandchildren would hold a private funeral before a memorial service in Sydney“in the coming weeks”.

“Bob was dearly loved by his family and so many friends and colleagues,” Mr Emmerson said.

“We will miss him.”