Offer of state funeral for Wayne Goss

The Queensland government has offered to hold a state funeral for former Labor premier Wayne Goss.

Mr Goss was surrounded by his family when he died from brain cancer at his home on Sunday night. He was 63.

Premier Campbell Newman described Mr Goss as a true leader and said a state funeral had been offered.

A minute's silence was held at Monday's cabinet meeting, after news of his death broke.

Mr Newman said he'd spoke to Mr Goss's wife Roisin to offer his condolences.

"Wayne was a true leader who guided his party and the state through a turbulent time in Queensland's history," the premier said in a statement.

He said Mr Goss achieved critical reforms in many areas, including social policy, electoral laws, and the reform of the police and public services.

"He did so with tenacity, determination and courage," Mr Newman said.

"Those attributes were also very much at the forefront as he battled cancer. I'm saddened he should have lost that fight at such a young age."