Former US president George Bush Senior personified the vision for the world that unites Australia and the United States, according to Scott Morrison.
The prime minister has expressed the sentiment while paying tribute to Mr Bush, who died on Saturday aged 94, in federal parliament.
"We have no greater friend than the United States. We have no greater ally. We have been together for a century and more," Mr Morrison told parliament.
"It is a bond that is built on what we believe and the sort of world we want to live in, and George Bush personified that vision and those beliefs."
Mr Morrison noted Mr Bush's service during World War II, response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, and his presiding over the end of the Cold War.
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"He showed incredible international and personal leadership," he said.
Mr Bush's kind welcome message to his successor Bill Clinton was also highlighted by Mr Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
In his salute to Mr Bush, Mr Shorten stressed his modesty, courtesy and unwillingness to associate toughness with attacking others.
"President Bush was perhaps also the most prolific writer of thank you notes and courtesy cards to ever occupy the Oval Office," he told parliament.
