'Absolutely shattering': Aged care royal commissioner Richard Tracey dies

The chair of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Richard Tracey QC has died after a short battle with cancer.

Royal Commissioner Richard Tracey was 71. Source: AAP

The chair of the Aged Care Royal Commission, Richard Tracey QC, has died at the age of 71.

News of the former Federal Court judge's death was confirmed at the beginning of a public hearing in Melbourne.

Mr Tracey died in California where he was receiving treatment for cancer which was diagnosed just weeks earlier.

Royal Commissioners Richard Tracey and Lynelle Briggs arrive for the first public hearing in the Royal Commission for Aged Care Quality and Safety. Source: AAP

The 71-year-old had continued working on the inquiry's interim report while undergoing care.

Commissioner Lynelle Briggs AO said she was shocked to hear of Mr Tracey's passing.

"(His continued work) gave us all hope that he would return fit and healthy in the new year," Ms Briggs said on Monday.

"The news of his death was, therefore, a complete shock and absolutely shattering."

Well respected and a comforting voice for abuse victims, Ms Briggs also praised Mr Tracey's expertise in his field.

"His kind words to our witnesses after their presentations gave them comfort and let them know that they had been heard."

Mr Tracey has been remembered by his peers as 'experienced, wise and admired'. Source: AAP

The new chair of the royal commission Tony Pagone QC, who was appointed as the third commissioner last month, said Mr Tracey's work on the inquiry had been solid, selfless and significant.

The royal commission held a minute's silence to honour Mr Tracey before the public hearing began its examination of workforce issues.

With AAP