By Lauren Ferri For Daily Mail Australia
Published: 00:11 BST, 17 May 2019 | Updated: 00:16 BST, 17 May 2019
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Bill Shorten has spoken of his gratitude to Bob Hawke and how he feels lucky to have seen him one last time just days before he died.
The former Labor prime minister died on Thursday, two days before the election which Mr Shorten is the favourite to win.
Mr Shorten appeared on Sunrise on Friday morning to share his thoughts on his final meeting with Mr Hawke last week.
Leader of the opposition Bill Shorten has spoken of his gratitude to Bob Hawke and how he feels lucky to have seen him one last time just days before he died
'We'd been in regular touch over the years - when I was in year 11 at school, he became Prime Minister of Australia, so he was my first political hero of my contemporary life,' the Labor leader said.
'I've been in touch and he's mentored me across the years.'
Mr Shorten had the opportunity to recently visit Mr Hawke at his home to discuss the federal election and give his views on the Labor leader's policies.
'He had the crossword in front of him because he had a very keen mind, and he was his usual generous self,' he said.
'We had a lovely conversation. You know when people pass, as they do, sometimes you get to talk to them before they pass, and other occasions you don't get there in time.'
'I feel indescribably lucky that we were able to have that time just to chat about politics and life and him.'
The former Labor prime minister died on Thursday, two days before Mr Shorten is favoured by polls to lead the party back to government
'He had the crossword in front of him because he had a very keen mind, and he was his usual generous self,' Mr Shorten told Sunrise
He then went on to make a 30-second final election pitch to voters and urged Australians to 'vote for change'.
'It's time for a change. We don't want three more years of the last six years,' Mr Shorten said.
'Vote