Comment by John Howard and Peter Beattie

“I am quite shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin’s sudden, untimely and freakish death,” Mr Howard said.

“It’s a huge loss to Australia.

“He was a wonderful character. He was a passionate environmentalist. He brought joy and entertainment and excitement to millions of people.

“He was a one-off character.”

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said Irwin’s shock death would be sorely felt in his home state.

Mr Beattie said Mr Irwin was an “extraordinary man”.

“He has made an enormous difference to his state and his country,” he said.

“He was a highly regarded conservationist and had just completed a five-week crocodile research trip on Cape York Peninsula with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers.

“Steve also made a significant contribution to the conservation of many other species through his work establishing the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah, research projects on koalas, wombats and other threatened species.

“He was also a tireless promoter of Australia and Queensland, ensuring Queensland and the Sunshine Coast in particular were always in viewers’ minds.

“The Crocodile Hunter has been an extraordinary promotional vehicle for our state.

“Steve’s loss will be sorely felt.

“On behalf of (my wife) Heather and my colleagues I offer my condolences to Terri, Bindi and Bob and all the Irwin family and staff at Australia Zoo.”

Clearly shocked, Mr Howard said Mr Irwin had fans around the world and his death was a huge loss.

 “To his wife Terri and his two children, I extend the profound sympathy of myself and my Government,” he said.

“I knew the family very well. I visited the Australia Zoo on a number of occasions and I really do feel Australia has lost a wonderful and colourful son.”

Mr Howard said Mr Irwin was the same in private as in public.

“He was the genuine article. What you saw was what you got,” he said.

“He took risks, he enjoyed life. He brought immense joy to millions of people, particularly to children, and it’s just such a terrible loss.

“I feel very distressed and I’m quite upset at the circumstances of it.”

Mr Irwin was a huge tourist drawcard for the country and his death was a huge loss, the Prime Minister said.

“He was a magnet, he was a drawcard, and he was well known around the world. Everybody knew him. He was one of those great quintessential Australian faces that people recognised everywhere,” he said.

“He was a larrikin, yes, but he was a really warm-hearted bloke as well and he cared passionately about Australia and he cared passionately about the Australian environment.

“I am so sorry and I think all Australians will feel a big loss.”

Mr Howard declined to say whether he would offer the Irwin family a state funeral.

“I will talk to his family. I don’t think we should get into that at this stage,” he said.