67 - labor senator and father of four dies of lung cancer as scott morrison leads tributes to 'dedicated' and 'humble' politician

Sitting Labor senator Alex Gallacher has died of lung cancer aged 67.

Mr Gallacher, a married father of four and grandfather, has represented South Australia in the senate since 2010.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2019 and took a leave of absence before returning to work.

Former truck driver and sitting Labor senator Alex Gallacher (right with wife Paola) has died of lung cancer aged 67

He passed away overnight. 

'May God bless him, may God bless all of you, and may our colleague and friend rest in peace,' Prime Minster Scott Morrison said on Monday.

Mr Gallacher was born in Scotland in 1954 and came to Australia with his parents when he was 12.

He was a labourer, a truck driver and an airport ground crew worker before working for the Transport Workers Union and later becoming a senator. 

Labor leader Anthony Albanese described Mr Gallacher as dedicated and humble.

'Alex's career was indeed a fine one. We in Labor are very proud of Alex. He was a conscientiousness, no nonsense man,' he said.

'He was a long time member of the rural and regional affairs and transport committee. He prioritised road safety, for the people who continue to keep our country going during Covid. 

'He was a family man, dedicated to his wife and his children and grandchildren.'  

Leader of the Government in the Senate Simon Birmingham also paid tribute and described Mr Gallacher as an 'old school' Labor man.  

The senate has been suspended for the day in a mark of respect.

Mr Gallacher (right with family) was a married father of four and grandfather who has represented South Australia in the senate since 2010