Mr Fife died last month at the age of 88. He represented the Wagga region in both state and federal parliaments.

“We look back on Wal's career at a time when politics is perhaps not the most popular of professions,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Back then it was more of a vocation and those who wanted to join the fray often had a very deep calling to serve. Wal's time in public life demonstrates that in the best possible way.

“Today we remember a man who had friends on both sides of the House, a politician who never lost sight of his childhood dream to serve his community, his state, his nation.”

“I understand that Wal Fife was, in many respects, an uncomplicated man—unpretentious, unflappable and largely unchanged by the cares and burdens of public office,” Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said.