Victoria's parliament has stopped to remember late Labor MP Jane Garrett as a champion for fairness and hero to volunteer firefighters.
Ms Garrett died after a cancer battle aged 49 in early July, soon after parliament went on a six-week hiatus ahead of the November state election.
Both houses of state parliament moved condolence motions on Wednesday, with her family in the public gallery to hear tributes from MPs across the political divide.
Premier Daniel Andrews described her as a champion for fairness and mentor to many in the Labor and union movements.
"Jane's intellect was obvious. She was a passionate in her pursuits, and she hated inequality and disadvantage above all else," he told the lower house.
The mother of three and former emergency services minister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and was in remission before her cancer recently returned.
Acknowledging her husband James and three children Sasha, Max and Molly, the premier said Ms Garrett made a important contribution to the state.
"There are families whose lives will be so much richer, so much fairer, so much more prosperous ... because of the work your mum did, and the work that she inspired others to do," Mr Andrews said.
"We are richer for Jane Garrett being here and we're so much poorer for her passing."
The Brunswick and Eastern Victoria MP quit cabinet in 2016 over a controversial firefighters' union pay deal and announced late last year she would not stand for re-election.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said Ms Garrett became a hero to many Country Fire Authority volunteers for her principled stance.
"Whatever the behind the scenes discussions ... intense pressure from her own side, Jane did not flinch, and I think that's more than many of us in this place would ever do," he said.
"She made it clear in this chamber and out that her passion and loyalty would always be with the CFA volunteers, even if it was at the expense of her own career."
Ms Garrett had the respect of the whole parliament, and was looked up to and admired, Mr Guy said.
"She had principles. They weren't for sale," he added.
Liberal MP Tim Smith wept as he told parliament "Jane was my best friend". The pair met when they were young mayors of Yarra and Stonnington.
The state government on Wednesday announced Ms Garrett's long-awaited state memorial service will be held at Brunswick Town Hall on September 2, two months after her death.
Doors will open at 10am and the service will begin an hour later. Attendees are asked to make contributions to The Smith Family charity in lieu of floral tributes.
The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend.
