Former federal and NSW state MP Frank Walker has died, aged 69.
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Mr Walker - who was the state attorney-general during Neville Wran's government and a special minister of state in Paul Keating's government - was also a prominent advocate for schizophrenia sufferers.
He died in Sydney yesterday.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard paid tribute to Mr Walker, saying he was a ‘‘gifted and dynamic figure’’.
Ms Gillard said in a statement that Mr Walker's interests stemmed, in large measure, from the tragic loss of his two sons to suicide, which prompted him to bring help and understanding to many others.
''Frank Walker’s many achievements as a Labor reformist will be long remembered and he will be greatly missed,'' she said.
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell announced today that Mr Walker would be given a state funeral.
Transport Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to his friend's political legacy today.
“Vale Frank Walker my friend & fmr Fed and NSW Minister - a lasting legacy in law reform, indigenous rights, housing and social justice,” Mr Albanese said via Twitter. Former NSW Attorney-General John Hatzistergos also sent his sympathies.
“Deeply saddened to here [sic] of the passing of former AG Frank Walker last night. Thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this time,” he said via Twitter.
Mr Walker was the youngest person appointed to the role of attorney general when he took up the position at the age of 34.
As NSW minister for aboriginal affairs, Mr Walker introduced the first land rights legislation in NSW in 1983.
At the time, Mr Walker described the reformist legislation as "the first step in this state towards redressing the injustice and neglect of real Aboriginal needs since Captain Philip stepped upon the shores of Port Jackson in 1788".
After politics, Mr Walker served on the Workers Compensation Tribunal and was a NSW District Court judge.
He was also president of the Schizophrenia Fellowship. His two sons, who were sufferers of schizophrenia, both committed suicide when they were 33.
Labor communications strategist Bruce Hawker today praised Mr Hawker as a reformer and fighter.
"Vale Frank Walker QC - a reformer, a fighter and a good man," he said.
Mr Walker had a varied career across politics. In NSW, as well as attorney-general, he was minister for housing and minister for aboriginal affairs.
He was a barrister by training and appointed Queens Counsel in 1981. He formally retired in 2006.
with AAP
