A giant of modern Australian politics has sadly passed away overnight.
He was a master parliamentarian, policy maker and politician.
John Button was a policy reformer in the truest sense.
John committed his life to Labor politics, improving the lives of those who needed it most and the progression of Australia.
For a man who was often described as diminutive, he was a towering figure in Victorian Labor politics.
From his time as a student at the University of Melbourne and prominent young lawyer, John was a leader and one of the great thinkers of his generation.
As Minister for Industry for a decade during the Hawke and Keating Governments, John played a determined hand in modernising the Australia economy, equipping it for the 21st century.
It buoys me at this very sad time that John's last year allowed him to witness two great personal events: seeing the Labor Party return to Government, and seeing his beloved Geelong Football Club win its first Premiership in 44 years.
John's sharp wit, powerful mind and kind nature will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
My condolences go to John's family and all of his many loved ones.
The Australian Government will be offering John's family a State Funeral.