Wayne Swan has paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and former Queensland premier Wayne Goss at the Labor Party conference in Brisbane.
The former treasurer told the ALP faithful on Saturday that Mr Goss, who died from the recurrence of a brain tumour last November, had reinvigorated the state after seizing office in 1989.
The win made him the first Labor premier after more than three decades of National Party rule.
"He dragged Queensland into the sunlight after 32 years in the darkness," Mr Swan said.
He recalled how the late politician, who died at the age of 63, fought his cancer diagnosis with the gusto of a political campaign.
"And when I was diagnosed (with prostate cancer) in 2001, there was no better nor more loyal friend than Wayne," he said, voice wavering.
Mr Goss left a legacy of respect for human rights, accountability and electoral reform behind, Mr Swan said.
He was also instrumental in installing women into the judiciary and senior public servant ranks.
Mr Goss eventually lost government to the Nationals in 1996.
"He was our Labor voice," Mr Swan concluded.
The ALP state conference runs over the weekend at Brisbane's Exhibition and Convention Centre.
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