Prime Minister Julia Gillard today paid tribute to the enormous contribution made by the late Bill Hunter who passed away in Melbourne last night after a long battle with cancer.
The Prime Minister said Mr Hunter was an Australian icon who will be missed. Mr Hunter played a key role as an acclaimed actor in helping to define Australian culture over five decades on screen and on stage.
He told us Australian stories in an Australian voice at a time when we were debating and developing our sense of national identity.
Bill Hunter brought Australian characters to life using his great talent in roles from Newsfront in 1978 to Strictly Ballroom and most recently in the film Red Dog.
On behalf of all Australians, the Prime Minister extends condolences to Mr Hunter's family and friends.