Premier Mike Baird told parliament on Tuesday Mr Whitlam's "enduring legacy for Australia" should be celebrated, including a national health insurance scheme, "accessible" tertiary education for all, Aboriginal land rights and government support for private schools.

He also noted Mr Whitlam played a "key role" in Sydney's successful bid to host the 2000 Olympics, particularly via his influence with International Olympic Committee delegates from Africa.

"Gough Whitlam was a favourite son of NSW and a giant of the national political stage," Mr Baird said.

Opposition leader John Robertson said for millions of Australians Mr Whitlam will be "forever the defining political figure of our nation".

Mr Robertson said Mr Whitlam was "a true leader in every sense of the word. A leader whose imposing physical stature was matched - and possible even exceeded - by his intellect and his wit".

As prime minister Mr Whitlam "breathed new life into Australia," Mr Robertson said. "As prime minister the pace of change a and reform under Gough Whitlam was truly extraordinary".

He paid tribute to Mr Whitlam's reforms in health care, education, Aboriginal land rights as well as bringing Australian troops home from the Vietnam War, abolishing the death penalty and early recognition of China.

Mr Robertson recalled at age10 meeting Mr Whitlam at a "party fundraiser in someone's backyard".

"Gough Whitlam is one of the largest, most significant and visionary figures Australia has ever produced," he said.

"He is a Titan of the Labor Party and an icon of the nation. He will forever be remembered in the hearts of our nation".