Labor legend Bob Hawke's penchant for a cigar once sent a senior Liberal's political dilemma up in smoke.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann was famously pictured with then treasurer Joe Hockey chomping cigars at parliament as they finalised the 2014 budget.
The photo was seen as symbolic of an unpopular budget that came under heavy fire with the Abbott government criticised for cutting services and breaking promises.
In March 2015, Senator Cormann found himself at a function having a cup of tea with Sir Peter Cosgrove and Mr Hawke.
The then governor-general produced three cigars, leaving Senator Cormann in a tricky spot as he weighed the political consequences of another smoky snap.
Mr Hawke - well known for enjoying a cigar - had no such hesitation.
"As I was thinking about the mobile phones with cameras on the other side of the window and what I should be doing, the other two cigars disappeared in Bob's pocket," Senator Cormann said on Wednesday.
"The political dilemma was averted for which I'm eternally grateful."
Senators have paused to pay tribute to Mr Hawke on Wednesday, sharing heartfelt condolences to the former prime minister.
He won four elections for Labor, leading the country between 1983 and 1991.
Opposition Senate leader Penny Wong said every time she met Mr Hawke he was optimistic, ebullient and telling her what to do.
She remembered going to see him after Labor lost government in 2013.
"He said 'how are you, love?' And I said 'oh, it's pretty hard being in opposition'," Senator Wong said.
"He said 'ah, well, I wouldn't know'."
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