By Zac de Silva in Canberra

Former Labor powerbroker Graham Richardson will be honoured with a state funeral after his death aged 76.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the former ALP senator as a Labor legend, hailing his work protecting critical natural sites including the Daintree Rainforest, during his time as environment minister.

Mr Albanese said he had spoken with Mr Richardson’s wife, Amanda, who had accepted the offer of a state funeral.

The prime minister did not provide further details about the time or location of the commemoration, saying the federal government would make an announcement in due course.

Branded the “minister for kneecaps” during his time in politics, Mr Richardson had a colourful and sometimes controversial career as a Labor senator, widely known for his power as a factional deal maker.

“He was, of course, a formidable character in ‘machine politics’ inside the Labor party,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

“He fought politics hard inside the Labor Party and on behalf of the Labor Party.”

Mr Albanese said he would attend his former colleague’s state funeral if he could, but it would depend on the date.

“If I can be there, I will be there,” he said.

Mr Richardson had been unwell for a long period before his death on Saturday, and in 2016 underwent a marathon surgery as he battled chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

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