Emotional PM recalls late father in speech

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has become emotional when referring to his late father during a speech at The Lodge.

Mr Morrison was addressing Australian of the Year nominees during a morning tea at his official Canberra residence when he struggled at times to get his words out.

"Earlier in the week my father passed. He loved Australia and he'd love you all because you have been building the country he loved," he said.

"You have helped make Australia a better place, you have made us proud, you would have made him proud."