Abetz: Harradine a crafty man of principle

Former senator Brian Harradine was a man of values and principles as well as a crafty negotiator, whose loss will be felt by the whole community, the government's Senate leader says.

Mr Harradine, 79, died on Tuesday after a long illness, a family spokesman said.

"The loss of Brian Harradine will be felt by the whole community," Leader of the Government in the Senate Eric Abetz said in a statement.

"Brian's life was one of dedication to values and principles, humble service to his fellow man and a love for all things Tasmanian."

Mr Harradine was elected to the Senate in 1975 and became the longest-serving independent senator in Australia's history when he retired in 2005.

Born in South Australia, he was secretary of the Tasmanian Trades and Labour Council before entering parliament.

"His advocacy as a trade union official was powerful and legendary," Senator Abetz said.

"His willingness to stand on principle was highlighted with his expulsion from the ALP for his assertion (now proven) that there were `friends of the communists' in the ALP."

Mr Harradine's expulsion by a National Labor Conference held in his home city of Hobart gave him the publicity to be elected to the Senate in 1975 and was successfully returned until his retirement at the 2004 election.

During the Howard government years, Senator Harradine became known for his crafty negotiating skills, Senator Abetz said.

"Especially when holding the balance of power in the Senate, he delivered huge dividends for his beloved State of Tasmania, especially with the Telstra fund," Senator Abetz said.

"His passionate and consistent defence of the sanctity of human life and the fundamental importance of the family unit for societal wellbeing inspired many," he said.

"On behalf of all government senators I extend condolences to Marion, their 13 children and the extended family."