Labor icon Bill Hayden to be honoured at state funeral – Yahoo News Australia

Former governor-general, Labor leader and architect of universal healthcare Bill Hayden is set to be farewelled at a state funeral.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley will be among the dignitaries, diplomats and political figures at the Ipswich service on Friday.

Mr Albanese described Mr Hayden as a great contributor to the nation who was notable for his humility and quiet strength.

The state funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Ipswich, from 12 noon AEDT and broadcast on the ABC.

Family, friends and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Born in 1933, Mr Hayden grew up in Queensland where he worked in the public service and police force.

He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1961 for the seat of Oxley, before being appointed as social security minister and treasurer under former prime minister Gough Whitlam.

When Labor came to power in 1972, Mr Hayden championed and built the foundations for Medibank, the precursor to Medicare.

After the infamous dismissal, he filled Mr Whitlam's shoes, serving as leader of the Labor Party until 1983 when he became foreign affairs minister under Bob Hawke before retiring from parliamentary service in 1988.

He went on to become Australia's 21st governor-general, holding the office from 1989 until 1996.

Mr Hayden died aged 90 in late October, exactly nine years after the death of Mr Whitlam.

Former prime minister Paul Keating said Mr Hayden had created the foundations for Australia's "economic rationalism" and prosperity.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Mr Hayden, a fellow Queenslander and former police officer, put his party and the nation before personal ambition.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in a statement Mr Hayden was a "selfless servant of the Australian people and our party".

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Labor icon Bill Hayden to be honoured at state funeral - Yahoo News Australia