Tributes flow for Graham ‘Richo’ Richardson after his passing at the age of 76
Australian politicians and media personalities are remembering Labor hardman, broadcaster and stirrer Graham ‘Richo’ Richardson after his passing at the age of 76.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is leading tributes to Labor hardman, broadcaster and stirrer Graham ‘Richo’ Richardson after his passing at the age of 76.
He has remembered Mr Richardson as “incredibly loyal”, saying the pair tried to catch up “at least once a year.”
“Richo was a Labor legend...he was someone that was a larger than life character,” Albo said.
“He was someone that was very passionate about the cause of Labor. He was a true believer. He’s someone who was very much loved within the Labor Party but more broadly as well...he’s someone who people who worked with him and had contact with him had to respect his intellect, his capacity to cut through, and his insight into the way politics worked.”
“He was an ultimate machine man but also someone that had a real policy impact in areas of the environment as Environment Minister. The Daintree today stands protected as a result of the work that Graham Richardson did.”
Premier Chris Minns
Premier Chris Minns said Mr Richardson said Mr Richardson had made a significant contribution to public life as a Senator, Cabinet Minister and long-time member of the Labor movement.
“He was known for his political insight, his commitment to the party, and his deep understanding of Australian public life,” he said.
“His influence on the Labor Party and Australian politics was considerable, and his legacy will be remembered by many who worked alongside him.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I extend my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Graham Richardson on the sad news of his passing.”
Bob Carr
Former Labor premier Bob Carr said Mr Richardson would be remembered for his “colossal” environmental achievements as a federal minister, such as securing a World Heritage Listing for Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest.
“It’s a sad moment, especially for people of my generation who counted Graham Richardson as a colleague and friend going back to our days in Young Labor in the early 70s,” he said.
“We went to one another’s weddings, and ran around Whitlam rallies in 1975 with plastic buckets, getting donations.
“He will be remembered for colossal environmental achievements as a federal minister. He was smart and funny and quick to get to the essence of anything. He did that on environmental causes and Australians for hundreds of years will enjoy the results.”
Mr Richardson had fallen ill with the flu in September which worsened into pneumonia.
His wife Amanda said: “I’ve lost the love of my life. D’Arcy’s lost the greatest dad and Australia’s lost one of its best. He was a man ahead of his time.”
Tony Abbott
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also paid tribute with a statement on social media platform X.
He said “Graham Richardson was a fierce Labor warrior who mellowed into a generous-spirited and widely-liked voice in our public life. I am grateful for a friendship that blossomed after he began his media work. He played his politics hard but at least in later years fair as well. Richo exemplified a decent partisanship that could engage opponents with respect. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies go out to Amanda, Darcy and his broader family at this time.”
Tim Wilson
Opposition spokesman for Small Business, Tim Wilson, wrote on X: “He was always encouraging with is honesty. Last saw him on a TV debate in 2021. We took a bet. I lost a $100 wager. When I messaged for his account details he asked to convert it to a lunch next time I was in Sydney.”
Ben Fordham
2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham has paid tribute to Mr Richardson, telling The Saturday Telegraph he “was the Minister for fun.”
“He was charming and kind and bloody funny. The bloke was a world champion storyteller. He loved socialising and connecting people. If anyone asked him for advice, he was automatically in their corner. Sydney has lost one of its biggest personalities. The Chinese restaurants of Sydney are going to miss him too.”
Sky News Australia CEO Paul Whittaker
Sky News Australia CEO Paul Whittaker said Mr Richardson’s commitment to the Australian people endured despite health troubles.
“It is a true measure of Graham’s dogged determination, will to live and strength of purpose that he insisted on appearing for his regular segment with Sky News’ Chief News Anchor Kieran Gilbert on Monday morning from his hospital room despite his failing health,” he said.
Dom Perrottet
Former Liberal premier Mr Perrottet said the ALP heavyweight may have been “passionately Labor” but he had always been generous with his advice and support “because above all he wanted to make New South Wales a better place”.
“A great man and a great loss,” he said.
“My deepest condolences to Amanda and Darcy”.
AOC CEO Mark Arbib
Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) chief executive officer Mark Arbib said as a sports minister, Mr Richardson secured record funds for Australia’s athletes and went to play a major role at the Sydney 2000 Games.
Mr Arbib, who was a NSW Labor general secretary and also a federal sports minister, said Mr Richardson had also worked in the background to assist the AOC in securing the Brisbane 2032 Games.
“The AOC is deeply thankful for his fine contribution to sport and the Olympic movement; Graham will be missed.”
John Della Bosca
Fellow former right-wing powerbroker and ex-NSW Labor general secretary John Della Bosca said “GFR” had a “freakish capacity” to accurately take the public pulse.
“GFR deserves to be thought of as a hugely influential figure,” he said.
“Graham had a freakish capacity to accurately take the public pulse. Graham’s reputation suffered from a misinterpretation of his well known Whatever it takes motto. But in reality he was a compassionate, public spirited man whose sympathy was always with the underdogs.”
Vince Sorrenti
Comedian Vince Sorrenti recalled meeting “the great man” about 15 years ago backstage at a property conference where they were both booked to speak.
“He invited me lunch soon after and there began a great friendship that was invariably played out over lunch.
“Graham had a fanatical passion for lunching that not even life-changing surgery or physical disability could suppress. He was an astonishing survivor.
“He put off his cancer surgery for as long as possible to enjoy life and celebrated accordingly when given a second and third chance.
“The operation to save him was brutal, yet despite having more “bits” removed than the Vatican sex guide, Richo enjoyed a social life better than mine.”
Originally published as Tributes flow for Graham ‘Richo’ Richardson after his passing at the age of 76
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