Pictured: Julia Gillard dancing like nobody's watching in a black leather skirt - 12 years before she became prime minister 

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Images of young Julia Gillard dancing on stage alongside her friend, mentor and former Victorian premier Joan Kirner have emerged.

The moment was captured back in 1998, 12 years before Gillard became Australia's first female Prime Minister, during a fundraising event in Melbourne.

According to one of the guests on the night, Gillard - dressed in a black leather skirt - featured as back up vocals for Kirner who belted out a rendition of Joan Jett's I Love Rock'n'Roll.

The photos were recently shared throughout social media as part of the many tributes for 76-year-old Kirner, Victoria's first and only female premier, who died on Monday.

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An image of young Julia Gillard (right) dancing on stage with Joan Kirner (left) back in 1998 during a joint fundraiser and 60th birthday celebration for Kirner

According to one of the guests on the night, Gillard - dressed in a black leather skirt - featured as back up vocals for Kirner who belted out a rendition of Joan Jett's I Love Rock'n'Roll

Gillard featured as back up vocals for 'Joan Jett and the Fishnets' alongside former treasurer David White (second left), Jennie George (centre) and Sharan Burrow (far right)

Since the news emerged of Kirner's passing, Gillard has penned a beautiful tribute for her endeared mentor and beloved friend, who served as Victoria's Premier between 1990 and 1992

Fay Pirotta, who attended the function in 1998 hosted by Labor women's group Emily's List, shared her images.

She told Daily Mail Australia that Gillard was dressed aptly for the occasion, which was also held in celebration of Kirner's 60th birthday, where the former prime minister and premier performed as 'Joan Jett and the Fishnets' alongside David White, Jennie George and Sharan Burrow.

'I remember the night being lots of fun and I was on the dance floor taking photos,' Ms Pirotta said.

'At the time, Julia Gillard wasn't the big feature of the night. It was mainly Joan who was dressed in her leather jacket and took to the centre stage. 

'No one thought then that Julia would become the Prime Minister.'  

Ms Pirotta said Kirner was replaying her rendition of 'I Love Rock'n'Roll' from her original 1993 performance which featured on ABC program The Late Show.

She said the event was held at the Plaza Ballroom, below the Regent Theatre, in Melbourne.

A photographer for Kirner's birthday celebrations shared her images from the night following Kirner's death

Kirner, who was dressed in a leather jacket, was reportedly repeating her 1993 performance from The Late Show of 'I Love Rock'n'Roll'

Australia's first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard penned a beautiful tribute for her endeared mentor and beloved friend, who served at Victoria's Premier between 1990 and 1992

Victoria's first and only female premier Joan Kirner has died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 76

Ms Kirner's death on Monday, nearly two years after her oesophageal cancer diagnosis, has prompted a flood of tributes from those inspired by her, lauding her impact on the Labor Party and Australian politics. 

Since the news emerged of Kirner's passing, Gillard penned a tribute for her endeared mentor and beloved friend who served as Victoria's Premier between 1990 and 1992.

'For me, the relationship went beyond one of student and mentor. Joan was the truest of friends. She was one of the dominant influences on my life,' Ms Gillard said in a statement on Monday.  

'I basked in her warmth and treasured her support. My deepest condolences go to the wonderful Kirner family.

'I am heartened to know that Joan died surrounded by those she loved so much.

'I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to see Joan on Friday and to say what needs to be said between friends when time comes to say goodbye.'