Parliament lauds late arts philanthropist

The generous contribution of businessman Gordon Darling to Australia's cultural landscape has been recognised in federal parliament.

The arts philanthropist and long-serving chairman of BHP died on August 31 aged 94.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott paid tribute to Darling as someone who appreciated that a wealthier economy offered more opportunities for philanthropy.

"He wasn't just a businessman," Mr Abbott told parliament on Monday.

"He was someone who wanted to use the fruits of business to serve the community more widely."

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Australia's arts community had lost a creative visionary as well as a generous benefactor.

Darling was the inaugural chairman of the National Gallery of Australia and, with his wife Marilyn, founding patron of the National Portrait Gallery.

They established the Gordon Darling Foundation to provide funding and staff development opportunities for public art institutions, and the Australia Pacific print fund which allowed the National Gallery to acquire more than 7000 works from the region.

"The generosity he inspired, the priceless treasures he secured will ensure his legacy lodges in the hearts of all Australians, moved by the magic of art," Mr Shorten said.