Mr Farley spent eight years as an executive director of the Farmers' Federation and served on both the Native Title Tribunal and the National Reconciliation Council.
Fred Chaney was the Aboriginal Affairs Minister in the Fraser Government and worked with Mr Farley on the Native Title Tribunal in 1993.
He says Rick Farley's ability to bring different communities together will encourage future generations.
“I think his record will be one that inspries others. reconciliation between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Australians is a national priority and Rick gave it a personal priority which I think was an inspiration to many people.”
Rick Farley is survived by his partner, NSW Labor MP Linda Burney and two children former wife.