Former prime minister Gough Whitlam has died, according to his family.
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His children Antony, Nicholas and Stephen Whitlam and Catherine Dovey issued a statement on Tuesday morning.
"Our father, Gough Whitlam, has died this morning at the age of 98," the statement said. "A loving and generous father, he was a source of inspiration to us and our families and for millions of Australians."
There will be a private cremation and a public memorial service.
Labor MPs are already paying tribute to their former leader.
A meeting of federal caucus is scheduled for Tuesday morning and it's understood Labor leader Bill Shorten will make his first statement about Gough Whitlam's death then.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott led the tributes on Tuesday.
"Gough Whitlam was a giant of his time," Mr Abbott said in a statement.
"He united the Australian Labor Party, won two elections and seemed, in so many ways, larger than life.
"In his own party, he inspired a legion of young people to get involved in public life.
Mr Abbott also paid tribute to the late Margaret Whitlam and her contribution and leadership alongside Gough.
"Gough Whitlam's life was inseparable from that of Margaret Whitlam. Margaret Whitlam was a leading light for women of her generation. Together they made a difference to our country.
"On this day we honour a life of service to our country."
