Billionaire packing king Richard Pratt dies

BILLIONAIRE packaging king Richard Pratt has died aged 74 following a battle with prostate cancer, a family spokesman has announced tonight.

BILLIONAIRE packaging king Richard Pratt has died aged 74 following a battle with prostate cancer, a family spokesman has announced.

Visy Packaging spokesman Tony Gray confirmed that Mr Pratt died just after 7pm.

A constant stream of prominent personalities, including politicians, football players and businessmen, have visited the home of the Visy boss over the past days to pay their respects and to say farewell.

Gallery: The life of Richard Pratt 

Mr Pratt, 74, leaves behind wife Jeanne, son Anthony, daughters Heloise and Fiona and grandchildren.

Obituary: The life and and times of Richard Pratt

Timeline: Rags to riches story of Richard Pratt

The eulogies for Mr Pratt started pouring in once news of his terminal illness broke early last week.

Victorian Premier John Brumby described the self-made businessman and prominent philanthropist as a "great Victorian and a great Australian".

"He came to this country with not much and made a lot of it and built a huge business," Mr Brumby said today.

"I think he's a stunning success story, one of the great Australian success stories."

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said her thoughts were with the Pratt family.

"Obviously, this is a very, very difficult time for the Pratt family and I would wish them well in that very difficult time," Ms Gillard said.

The Carlton Football Club expressed their sorrow.

Mr Pratt is credited with bringing Carlton back from the brink of ruin in 2007.

Coach Brett Ratten and several Carlton players visited Mr Pratt and his family today.

"He's been the catalyst to get our club off the bottom," Ratten said.

Captain Chris Judd said he couldn't imagine what the club would look like without Mr Pratt's influence.

"I doubt I would be here as well," Judd said.