A single yellow flower on the government front benches sat in simple tribute to Fiona Richardson, who died yesterday afternoon after a battle with cancer.

Many MPs were visibly upset as they arrived at Victoria's State Parliament this morning, with politicians from all parties praising her strength and tenacity.

Premier Daniel Andrews lead tributes on the floor of the house, highlighting Ms Richardson's role in delivering Victoria's response to the historic Royal Commission into Domestic Violence.

A single flower lay in tribute for Ms Richardson. (AAP)

"She taught us there's always time to fight for others, even when you are weathering the toughest and most personal fight of all", he said.

Other Labor MPs highlighted Ms Richardson's work as the architect of the party's successful level crossing removal policy whilst in opposition.

Liberal Leader Matthew Guy told the house that Ms Richardson had changed the state.

"She has left a mark in this place that few will", he told the house.

Ms Richardson was a mother of two. (9NEWS)

Flags at Parliament are flying at half mast as a mark of respect, with sitting adjourned for the day to allow MPs to grieve.

The 50-year-old was first elected to parliament in 2006, but took time off in 2013 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Northcote MP returned to parliament but was forced to take more time off in July this year after being diagnosed with multiple tumours.

Last year she revealed her childhood experience with family violence, ahead of the release of findings from the government's historic Royal Commission.

The long-serving MP successfully fought cancer in 2013, and returned to parliament to become Victoria's first minister for the prevention of family violence. (9NEWS)

"I remain passionately committed to the vision shared by myself and other victim-survivors to eradicate violence in the home within a generation, and to end its dangerous and costly impact on families and children," she said.

Ms Richardson is survived by her husband and two children.

Ms Richardson's family released a statement confirming her death last night paying tribute to her passion and tenacity.

"Fiona had unfinished business.

"She wanted violence in the home to stop and she knew for that to happen it would take dedication and leadership over the course of a generation."

Opposition leader Bill Shorten led a chorus of moving tributes to Ms Richardson on Twitter.

"We've lost a remarkable, brave and inspirational woman. This is so sad. Thinking tonight of everything Fiona Richardson achieved," Mr Shorten wrote.

With AAP