Former Qld Labor leader Warburton dies

A former leader of the Labor Party in Queensland has died.

Nev Warburton held the seat of Sandgate, north of Brisbane, from 1977 until his retirement from office in 1992, and led the ALP through opposition from 1984 to 1988.

The 86-year-old died on the Sunshine Coast at the weekend, the Brisbane Times reported.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk expressed her condolences to his family, saying Mr Warburton had given outstanding service for Queensland during a difficult time for the party.

"I know what it's like to have experienced tough times," Ms Palaszczuk said, referencing her own time as Opposition leader following the 2012 Labor wipeout at the hands of Campbell Newman's LNP.

"He stood up in a very difficult time and was a real credit to the Labor party and his family."

Mr Warburton went on to serve as a minister under premier Wayne Goss, first in the Transport, Training and Industrial Relations portfolio and later for Police and Emergency Services.