WISDOM, greatness and a special ability to heal a divided nation after Gough Whitlam's sacking in 1975. That was how MPs remembered the former governor-general Sir Zelman Cowen in Parliament yesterday.

Sir Zelman, who was governor-general from 1977 to 1982, died in December, at 92.

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, led a condolence motion when Parliament resumed saying the appointment of Sir Zelman was one of then prime minister Malcolm Fraser's ''finest decisions''.

''He rightly identified the need for a touch of healing and through his wisdom and dignity delivered it.''

Earlier, his close friend and Liberal MP Josh Frydenberg became the proud recipient of a portrait of Sir Zelman, after the Speaker, Peter Slipper, thought it appropriate for it to hang in Mr Frydenberg's office.

Sir Zelman's widow, Lady (Anna) Cowen, and son Shimon, who attended Parliament for the condolence motion, were both pleased the portrait would hang in Mr Frydenberg's office.