John Kerin has been remembered as humble, quick-witted and a man of conviction who always put policy and people above politics.
"He knew how to bring the best out of people and in his wonderfully self-deprecating way, he was easy to relate to and instantly likeable," his former chief of staff Julienne McKay said.
Mr Kerin's farming background - which led him to frequently claim he had the ability to hypnotise chickens - put him in good stead to become the country's longest-serving primary industries minister.
He was also one of the most respected to hold the role.
"Kerin cared about people and was concerned for their wellbeing and interested in their lives," Ms McKay said.
"Even today, decades later, I meet people associated with primary industries who talk fondly about Kerin as 'their minister', a bloke they knew, trusted and admired."
Ministers, MPs, former parliamentarians, family and friends all gathered at Old Parliament House on Friday to pay their respects, with his casket draped in the Australian flag and his favourite hat perched on top.
Mr Kerin died in March this year, aged 85, with his death prompting tributes from across the political spectrum.
His colleagues, family and friends spoke of his dedication, including to education.
"John worked hard, played hard but could still apply himself to studying late into the night. Incredible," old friend Jim Glasson lauded.
After working his way into the Labor tent through charisma, not factional politics, he was elected in 1972 following the election of Gough Whitlam.
He lost his seat three years later but returned to federal politics in 1978, holding positions in the Hawke and Keating governments.
Mr Kerin held the role of primary industries minister from 1983 to 1991 before he was elevated to treasurer in June 1991, following Paul Keating's first leadership challenge against Bob Hawke.
He then held a number of other ministries including trade up until he quit politics in 1993.
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