Australian politician John Mildren dies: Tributes pour in for Ballarat MP

Former Australian politician John Mildren has died at the age of 91.

Mr Mildren was elected to the House of Representatives in 1980 as the Labor MP for Ballarat and was a key figure in Bob Hawke's government. He held the seat until 1990.

He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 'for service to the Parliament of Australia and the community of Ballarat'.

Catherine King, the MP for Ballarat, said Medicare was one of Mr Mildren's greatest legacies.

'Personally, John was a mentor to me over many years and his example of how to represent a regional community like Ballarat is one that I will forever cherish,' Ms King told 3BA.

'My thoughts are with his children, grandchildren and all who loved him.'