People mourn former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke outside the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, June 14, 2019. Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke has been farewelled at a state memorial service inside the Sydney Opera House on Friday. Remembered as one of Australia's most significant political figures, Hawke passed away peacefully last month at the age of 89. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)
SYDNEY, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke has been farewelled at a state memorial service inside the Sydney Opera House on Friday.
Remembered as one of Australia's most significant political figures, Hawke passed away peacefully last month at the age of 89.
As leader of the Labor Party, Hawke was Australia's third longest serving Prime Minister, holding office from 1983 to 1991, during which time he introduced landmark economic reforms credited with modernising Australia's economy.
"The 80s in Australia will always be the Hawke era and it is a rich legacy for Australians," current Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party Scott Morrison said in an address.
Most remember Hawke not only as a shrewd political leader, but also a "larrikin," famous for his love of beer and honest public image.
Speaking to Xinhua outside the Opera House, one of those who turned out to pay their respects, Margaret Cheah, said that living through Hawke's prime ministership gave her a great admiration for the man and his vision for Australia.
"His idea that everyone would live here in peace -- so those who needed uplifting would be uplifted, and we could all work together and we could all form a great country," Cheah said.
"He was a great person and also he was a larrikin. We had good fun with him and he understood the common man."
Having graduated a Rhodes Scholarship from Oxford University, Hawke rose through the ranks of Australia's union movement, serving as president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) from 1969 to 1980.
The impact Hawke made both in that role and as prime minister continues to endure and improve the lives of all Australians.
"Bob Hawke loved our country and we are a better nation for it. In his passing, we honour and give thanks for a great Australian patriot," Morrison said.
"Bob, your record is honoured, your legacy is secure and your country will be forever grateful."
