Abbott pays tribute to Don Randall

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has paid tribute to Liberal MP Don Randall, who was found dead on Tuesday.

Mr Abbott hailed the Western Australian MP an "outstanding" local member who was a passionate and persuasive advocate in Canberra.

"He was a mentor to many and integral to the success of our party in the state of Western Australia," Mr Abbott said in a statement.

Mr Abbott offered the government's condolences and sympathy to Mr Randall's wife Julie and two children.

"All his colleagues will mourn his passing and honour the contribution that he has made," he said.

Mr Randall was one of two Western Australian MPs behind the failed spill motion to remove Mr Abbott as prime minister in February.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Mr Randall was liked on both sides of parliament and was counted as a friend by many within the Labor Party.

"He was a thoroughly good and decent bloke," he said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

Mr Shorten said Mr Randall's death "puts daily politics in perspective and reminds us how precious life is".