TRIBUTES FOR BUSINESSMAN AND FORMER GRAND PRIX BOSS RON WALKER:
* Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull - "Ron was a wise and true friend to me as he was to so many Liberal leaders. We will not see his like again. Out hearts go out to Barbara and their family at this sad time."
* Former prime minister Tony Abbott - "He was a staunch friend and constant encouragement to successive Liberal leaders and will be much missed."
* Labor leader Bill Shorten - "Vale Ron Walker, a man of big ideas and great generosity. Modern Melbourne owes much to his vision and drive."
* The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport - "His contribution to the Australian motor sport landscape will forever be remembered."
* Entrepreneur, media buyer and friend Harold Mitchell - "I see him two, three times a year and he was looking more frail but what a fighter ... He was a very generous man."
* Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg - "A brave and thoughtful man who did so much to promote Melbourne, the Liberal Party and broader community. RIP."
Victorian Liberal Party president Michael Kroger - "A truly great Australian has been lost to us. He was one of the Liberal Party's greatest and most trusted servants."
* Victorian coalition leader Matthew Guy - "Ron Walker loved Melbourne and Victoria. His generosity touched many. His achievements helped put Victoria on the map."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews - "Ron Walker was a giant of Victorian cultural and political life. Whether feared or revered, Ron was someone who you never forgot."
* Acting Melbourne Lord Mayor Arron Wood - "His love of Melbourne and his contribution to our great city will never be forgotten."
