He shone brightly to Australia Scott Morrison pays tribute to Bert Newton

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Bert Newton was a welcome guest for decades in Australian households, as he paid tribute to the legendary entertainer whose “crazy skits” made him so loved.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese and other political leaders expressed their condolences to Newton’s wife, Patti, and his family on the loss of one of the nation’s most lauded performers.

Mr Morrison spoke of Newton as someone who invited himself into the living rooms of Australians in the era of “appointment viewing” when everyone watched the same things at the same time.

“And he was such a welcome guest. Every time he came into our living rooms we always looked forward to him coming back,” Mr Morrison said.

“He had a great sense of humour and he understood, probably better than most, self-deprecating humour, which is a real Australian trait, and he had it down to a tee.

“And I think that’s what endeared him to so many Australians.”

Speaking in Rome after a day of meetings with other national leaders at the G20 summit, Mr Morrison recalled his time as a young boy watching shows hosted by Graham Kennedy and Don Lane and starring Newton.

“I remember staying up late, way past my bedtime, to watch the Don Lane Show and all those crazy skits they used to do. And they’re still all there and they’re such fond memories,” Mr Morrison said.

“And all of his career he was known as Moon Face but he shone brightly to Australia. And we’re going to really miss him.

“And to Pattie and to all the family: Australia loves you. Australia just loves you and we love Bert. We’re going to miss him dearly but we’re going to have so many great memories of him because they were all captured on film over such a long period of time.”

Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1984 presents Bert Newton with his Gold Logie.Credit:

The praise for Newton came from both sides of politics but the television star was a lifelong Labor supporter who joined the campaign to sweep Gough Whitlam into power in 1972. He was among the celebrities who sang in the “It’s Time” video that helped the Whitlam campaign.

When Newton won the Gold Logie by popular vote in 1984, the organisers chose Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke to present the award.

Mr Albanese and other Labor figures remembered Newton with fondness.

“My heart goes out to his family who have lost a husband, a father and friend. And to Australia who have lost an icon,” Mr Albanese wrote on Twitter.

Labor deputy leader Richard Marles said his heart went out to Newton’s family and friends.

“An Australian icon who brought happiness to millions of households throughout his stellar career,” he said. “Australia has lost a legend.“

Labor education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek said Australia had lost an icon and a true entertainer.

“Vale Bert Newton, you lit up our screens for decades and made such an impact on our entertainment industry,” she said.

“My thoughts are with Patti, their family, and friends during this sad time.”

David Crowe is chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via Twitter or email.

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