He said his father had a "deep and committed" Christian faith, which was one of the numerous legacies he had left on his own life. Mr Morrison Snr was a commander in the NSW police and also served on the Waverley Municipal Council for 16 years, including for a period as mayor. Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) with his father John Morrison (centre). "Dad served in the army as part of his national service, he was a dedicated member and officer in the NSW Police Force for his entire career," he wrote. "He served his local community as a councillor and mayor and many other roles, and he served faithfully in his church throughout his entire life as an elder, youth worker and in aged care.

"He was a loving husband to my mum Marion for 57 years. He was a wonderful father to me and my brother Alan. He loved Jen as a daughter and was a devoted grandfather to our girls." Former prime minister Julia Gillard, whose own father John died while she was in office, sent a message of condolence to Mr Morrison on social media. Prime Minister Scott Morrison with his parents John and Marion. "Losing your dad is always hard, and even more so when you are serving as PM. My thoughts are with him and his family," she tweeted. The Prime Minister had referenced his father's poor health when he wished him happy birthday in December on the floor of the House of Representatives.

"If I may take this moment of indulgence, as my father is watching from an aged-care facility near his home, I'd just like to wish him all the very best for his 84th birthday," he told Parliament. "Dad, we're all thinking of you at this very difficult time, and I wish I could be there with you." He described his family and his faith as "the most significant influences on my life" in his first speech to parliament after being elected in 2007. "My parents laid the foundation for my life. Together with my brother, Alan, they demonstrated through their actions their Christian faith and the value they placed on public and community service," he said at the time.

"In our family, it has never been what you accumulate that matters but what you contribute. I thank them for their sacrifice, love and, above all, their example." Mr Morrison said his family would miss his father "terribly" but would be "extremely thankful for his great blessing in all of our lives".