Tributes have poured in from the world of politics and entertainment for the late comedian and TV writer John Clarke.
The New Zealand born political satirist died from natural causes while hiking in the Grampians National Park in Victoria at the age of 68, according to the ABC.
Clarke was known for his partnership with Bryan Dawe on the Nine Network's A Current Affair, on ABC radio and the ABC's 7.30 program.
"The primary thing that made John tick was the love of his family," Ross Stevenson, who co-wrote the Olympic Games mockumentary The Games with Clarke, told Macquarie Radio
He also explained how much Clarke loved both his native New Zealand and adopted home of Australia.
"He was first and foremost a New Zealander," he said.
"He said that being a New Zealander meant you understood what was meant by the word per capita ... meaning New Zealand in many ways punches above its weight."
In 1977, Clarke moved to Australia and became famous for portraying New Zealand farmer called Fred Dagg on stage, film and television.
"He did love Australia particularly Melbourne, he was a committed Melbournian and was always the one to take the first offence if any claim was made for Sydney or if he felt that Sydney was being given special treatment ahead of Melbourne," Stevenson said.
His ABC peer, 7.30 host Leigh Sales, tweeted about Clarke's death on Monday morning.
"John Clarke: respected by his peers, adored by his fans, loved by his colleagues with a reputation as a one of the nicest blokes. RIP," she posted.
Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard tweeted that Clarke's loss would be felt by the whole country.
"Shocked and saddened that John Clarke, a wise and funny man, has left us. Australia will miss him. JG," she wrote.
The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Bill English, tweeted his sadness at Clarke's death.
"Sad to hear of the death of John Clarke, aka Fred Dagg. His humour captured the experience of life in NZ and Australia," he wrote.
Ironically, Clarke was the original choice to play the New Zealand Prime Minister in popular comedy Flight of the Conchords, according to director Taika Waititi who also described Clarke's impact on his work.
"John Clarke was B&J's original choice for the NZ Prime Minister in Conchords.
"RIP John Clarke. Hugely influential to me and my mates, he was one of the fathers of NZ's style of comedy. We all copied him at some point," he tweeted.
Labor leader Bill Shorten praised Clarke after news of his death broke.
"So sad to hear of the passing of the brilliant John Clarke. The sharpest, driest wit on Aussie TV. 6:56 on Thursdays will never be the same," Mr Shorten tweeted.
