PM pays tribute to former Liberal senator

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to former Liberal senator Russell Trood who has died of thyroid cancer.

Mr Turnbull said he was saddened to learn of the death of his friend and former colleague who was "one of Australia's finest foreign policy minds".

Mr Trood entered politics from academia and had been a professor of international relations at Griffith University.

Australia's relations with and understanding of neighbours in the Asia Pacific have been enhanced by Mr Trood's tireless efforts over many years, Mr Turnbull said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dale, his two children, James and Phoebe, and his many friends," Mr Turnbull said.

"He was an optimistic, dedicated and above all unfailingly decent man."

Attorney-General George Brandis said he had lost a trusted confidant and one of his closest political friends.

"His contributions to the Senate were always erudite, deeply informed and effective," Senator Brandis said.

"He was the soul of courtesy."

The one-term Liberal backbencher was respected by both sides of politics.

Kevin Rudd as foreign minister in 2011 appointed him to a senior post within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.