No BS from Harradine, colleague says

Brian Harradine wasn't a bullshitter and didn't shift his beliefs with the breeze, former Australian Democrats leader Andrew Bartlett says.

Mr Bartlett took to Facebook to offer a frank assessment of the former senator, who died on Tuesday aged 79.

"I didn't like some of his policies, but he was better on some issues - welfare, IR (industrial relations), some human rights, many aspects of social justice - than people often assumed, as well as very persistent, diligent and thorough on the matters he focused on," Mr Bartlett said.

"And whilst he might have kept his cards close to his chest, he wasn't a bullshitter or a two-timer or a sell out, wouldn't break his word and didn't change his beliefs with the breeze."

Mr Harradine served in the upper house from 1975 to 2005, making him the longest serving independent senator in Australia's democratic history.

NSW Christian Democrats leader Fred Nile also offered his condolences to the former "father of the senate".

"RIP Brian Harradine - a successful politician who more importantly was a fine human being," Mr Nile said on twitter.

"My condolences and prayers go to his family."

Labor senator Ursula Stephens also offered her condolences on the micro-blogging site.

"Rest in peace Brian," she said.