Former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke dies aged 89 .

Bob Hawke, Australia's 23rd prime minister and Labour Party legend, has died at the age of 89.

Mr Hawke led the country and his party from 1983 to 1991, and his contribution to public life helped shape modern Australia.

A great conciliator, Mr Hawke's achievements as prime minister included modernising the economy and integrating it into the global community, establishing Medicare, and championing environmental issues.

He won four federal elections, making him Labor's longest-serving prime minister and Australia's third-longest-serving prime minister behind Robert Menzies and John Howard.

Mr Hawke is survived by his wife and biographer Blanche d'Alpuget, and his three children — Susan, Stephen and Rosslyn.

Ms d'Alpuget released a statement saying "he died peacefully at home" and that his children, stepson Louis, and his grandchildren would hold a private funeral ahead of a memorial service in Sydney in the coming weeks.

"Bob was dearly loved by his family, and so many friends and colleagues," the statement read.

"We will miss him.

"The golden bowl is broken."

Current Labor leader Bill Shorten tweeted that Mr Hawke was the labour movement's "greatest son".

"May he rest in peace."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent his condolences to the family of a man who "will be greatly missed".

"Bob Hawke was a great Australian who led and served our country with passion, courage, and an intellectual horsepower that made our country stronger," he tweeted.

"He was true to his beliefs in the Labor tradition and defined the politics of his generation and beyond.

"He had a unique ability to speak to all Australians."

Culled from ABC News.