SYDNEY • Thousands of people gathered at Australia's Sydney Opera House yesterday as a state memorial honoured former prime minister Bob Hawke, a transformative and charismatic left-wing lawmaker, who died last month aged 89.

Mr Hawke, who served as prime minister from 1983 to 1991, enjoyed extraordinary popularity throughout and after leaving office largely due to his loveable rogue character.

"Bob, your record is honoured, your legacy is secure and your country will be forever grateful," said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Belying his trade union connections before being elected to Parliament, Mr Hawke as prime minister ushered in a wave of economic deregulation that turned around an economy languishing in recession and with double-digit unemployment and inflation.

The reforms triggered strong economic growth, allowing Mr Hawke to introduce universal healthcare, strengthen social security for poor families and enact stronger environmental legislation.

Unable to secure a ticket for the memorial, thousands of people watched the proceedings on a big television screen outside the Sydney Opera House.

"I think we all owe Bob a huge debt and gratitude for our country," a man who gave his name as George from Wollongong, 86km south of Sydney, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"I think we're the luckiest people in the world to have a prime minister like that."

REUTERS