Frank yet charismatic: Former Labor senator Graham Richardson dead at 76
Veteran Labor powerbroker and Sky News contributor Graham Richardson passed away on Saturday at the age of 76. Known for his influence within the Labor Party and his sharp political instincts, Richardson was a prominent figure in Australian politics for decades.
A Career in Politics and Media
Richardson served as a senior cabinet minister in the Hawke and Keating governments. Beyond politics, he spent 15 years as a commentator with Sky News Australia, where his frank opinions and insight earned him respect across political lines.
Tributes from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid heartfelt tribute to Richardson on Sky News, describing him as both a mentor and a friend.
“He’s someone who I often got advice from and he was always worth listening to,” Albanese said.
“He was very much loved within the Labor Party, but also beyond it. Everyone who worked with him respected his intellect, his ability to cut through, and his deep understanding of politics.”
“Graham was incredibly loyal — loyal to me as Labor leader,” the Prime Minister recalled.
A Personal Connection
Albanese fondly remembered Richardson’s love of long lunches, adding:
“I’ll miss our lunches at the Malaya, we tried to catch up at least once a year.”
Author’s Summary
Graham Richardson was a pivotal Labor figure whose political acumen and warm personality left a lasting legacy in both government and journalism.