Aussie PM: Nurse's death a 'terrible tragedy'

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Photo / AP

The death of a British nurse who was duped by a hoax call from two Sydney radio jocks, to a hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for acute morning sickness, is a terrible tragedy, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.

Sydney 2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian have been taken off air after their prank call to London's exclusive King Edward VII Hospital was linked to the death of respected nurse and mother Jacintha Saldanha, 46, on Friday.

A spokeswoman for Ms Gillard described the incident as a "terrible tragedy".

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time," she said in a statement on Saturday.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said Ms Saldanha's death was "dreadful and tragic".

"My thoughts and sympathies are with Ms Saldanha's family, friends and work colleagues at this time," he said in a statement.

Senator Conroy confirmed the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) had received complaints about the hoax call.

"The decision about whether to investigate the call for possible breaches of the commercial radio codes of practice is one for the independent regulator," he said.

- AAP