Fiona Richardson funeral: Mourners remember Labor MP in state service at Northcote

LABOR MP Fiona Richardson has been farewelled at an emotional state service in Northcote this morning. Premier Daniel Andrews, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and former premier Steve Bracks attended.

Memorial service for Fiona Richardson Regal Ballroom. Picture: David Caird

HUNDREDS of mourners have paid tribute to “trailblazer” Labor MP Fiona Richardson at an emotional state service in Northcote.

Former premier Steve Bracks led the memorial, saying Ms Richardson’s family wanted it to be a celebration of a life filled with achievements.

Memorial service for Fiona Richardson Regal Ballroom. Picture: David Caird

Premier Daniel Andrews and Federal ALP Bill Shorten take their seats. Picture: David Caird.

Kim Carr arrives at the State Memorial Service for Fiona Richardson. Picture: Mal Fairclough.

The country’s first Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence was remembered as someone who fought for what she believed, including the equality of women and the eradication of abuse in the home.

Former Victoria Police chief commissioner Ken Lay said Ms Richardson often questioned — tongue in cheek — why some people talked about women striving to be equal to men.

“Surely, they lack ambition?” Mr Lay said, to laughter in the packed Regal Ballroom.

Friend and colleague, Brunswick MP Jane Garrett, spoke of a principled and intelligent woman who helped many people in politics and her beloved local community.

Ms Garrett recalled telling Ms Richardson — who had fought breast cancer in 2013 — about her own battle with breast cancer last year.

Former Premier John Brumby arriving for the State Memorial Service for Fiona Richardson. Picture: AAP Image/Mal Fairclough.

Ms Garrett said the Northcote MP arrived on her doorstep soon after with a gift of a fluffy white blanket, which soaked up the smells of her family home to be used as a comfort during long stints in hospital.

Ms Richardson’s family, including mum Veronica Power, husband Stephen Newnham, and children Catherine and Marcus, received standing applause as they left the service.

Dozens of current and former MPs filled the ballroom, including Premier Daniel Andrews and members of Cabinet, federal Opposition leader Bill Shorten, former prime minister Julia Gillard, and former premier John Brumby.

Mr Bracks said among Ms Richardson’s political achievements were passionately advocating for the preselection of Ms Gillard in the seat of Lalor, and Mr Shorten in Maribyrnong.

Husband Stephen Newnham and daughter Catherine hug after the service. Picture: David Caird.

Ministers for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos. Picture: Mal Fairclough.

In her role as the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence she was remembered as a fierce advocate for victim-survivors, of who she was one.

Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty and other family violence advocates were at the state memorial service.