Bob Hawke's state funeral to be held at Sydney Opera House
A state funeral for Australia's 23rd prime minister, Bob Hawke, will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Friday June 14.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was fitting that a "national icon and political giant" will have his life celebrated at an "iconic and beloved Australian venue".
"Bob was a man who understood Australia and the people who call our country home," Mr Morrison said.
Members of the public who wish to farewell Mr Hawke will be able to secure free tickets to the funeral from midday on Wednesday, May 29, from the Opera House's website.
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The funeral will be screened outside on the steps of the Opera House and will be televised on the ABC.
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Mr Hawke was 89 when he died last Thursday, just two days before the federal election.
An outpouring of grief from the public and both sides of politics dampened hostilities in the two days prior to polling day.
In an interview on the ABC's 7.30 program on Thursday, Mr Hawke's wife, Blanche d'Alpuget said her husband was at ease in his final days.
"He said to me, 'I can't make any further contribution. I've got no contribution to make now,'" Ms d'Alpuget said.