THE children of former Democrats leader Janet Powell have paid tribute to the legacy their mother left behind for woman aspiring towards a career in politics.
Ms Powell, 71, died on Monday night after fighting cancer for a year.
She represented Victoria from 1986 to 1992 as a Democrat before becoming an independent senator until she lost office in 1993.
She initially filled a casual vacancy after party founder Don Chipp left the Senate, then won a seat the following year.
Daughter Emma Powell, who also spoke on behalf of her siblings Nick and Alex, said despite the heavy demands of public life, Ms Powell was an exceptional mother.
"We are all so proud of her, her contribution to the community and the example she set for girls and other women in public life," she said.
"The knowledge that our beloved mother left such a wonderful legacy to us and the community gives us some comfort at this incredibly sad time."
Ms Powell led the Democrats from 1990-1991.
She stood down following internal party ructions stemming from moves to potentially merge the party with the Greens, and her relationship with fellow Democrat senator Sid Spindler.
She was born in Nhill in western Victoria in 1942 and was a school teacher before entering parliament.
In 2012, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to politics and community work with the YWCA.
She joined the Australian Greens in 2004.
Greens leader Christine Milne paid tribute to her friend as a pioneer and role model for women in politics.
Former Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja said Ms Powell had been a "trailblazer."
"A woman not to be forgotten," she said.
Former Victorian premier Joan Kirner said Ms Powell broke new ground for women in politics.
Former Greens leader Bob Brown said Australia has lost a champion of progressive politics.
"Janet led the Democrats in the greening of Australian politics," he said.
"We have lost a friend, but her spirit and ideals move onwards in Australian affairs."
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