Ms O’Neil said there were "so many" stories to share of Hawke, particularly of his efforts on behalf of the working class.
"Not only to people’s rights in terms of their working rights, but of course to the rights of people to universal and free healthcare, and to a universal superannuation system available to all," she said.
"These were struggles - these were fights that Bob began as a union leader.
"These were things that he then took from the union movement to the Lodge and was able to deliver in government those changes that we are all the beneficiaries of today."
Ms O’Neil described Hawke as a larrikin "who never forgot where he came from", a man who left a powerful legacy in Australia’s union movement.
"What we always remember and what we thank Bob for today is the leadership he showed," she said.
"We want to, of course, send all our sympathy and love to Blanche and his family, but also remember that we are his family."
Queensland’s deputy premier Jackie Trad shared her own memories of meeting Hawke, and his influence on her life.
She said she first became aware of Hawke at the 1983 election, triggering her "deep interest" in politics and leading to her joining the Labor party.
Ms Trad also spoke of the impact of Hawke’s key policies being introduced, not just the introduction of Medicare and its immediate impact on her own family’s life, but his refusal to accept racism.
"I remember what it was like growing up as a young Lebanese woman in Australia, when in Queensland, Brisbane, when it was still very unique to come from a Middle Eastern background in this country," she said.
"I remember what it was like to be other, and I also remember what it was like to cop a level of racism.
"But I also remember what it was like to have the Prime Minister of this country start a conversation about multiculturalism, to start a conversation about engaging with Asia; to start a conversation about an Australia that was more than just its Ango-Celtic settlement roots; to start a conversation about what reconciliation really looks like."
Ms Trad criticised Tony Abbott’s statement on Hawke’s passing as "disrespectful" and a "doing a disservice" to Hawke’s legacy.