Frank yet charismatic: Former Labor senator Graham Richardson dead at 76
Veteran Labor powerbroker and Sky News contributor Graham Richardson passed away at the age of 76 on Saturday.
Tribute from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Graham Richardson, recalling his impact and presence both in politics and media. Mr. Richardson served as a senior cabinet minister in the Hawke and Keating governments and contributed to Sky News Australia for 15 years.
“He’s someone who I often got advice from and he was always worth listening to,” Mr. Albanese said. “He was someone who was very much loved within the Labor party, but more broadly as well – you spoke about the family there at Sky News. He’s someone who everyone worked with him and had contact with him had to respect his intellect, his capacity to cut through, and his insight into the way that politics worked.”
“Graham was someone who was incredibly loyal. He was loyal to me as Labor leader.”
Personal memories
The Prime Minister fondly remembered Richardson’s warmth in social settings.
“A champion of the long lunch. I'll miss our lunches at the Malaya, we used to try to catch up at least once a year,” he said.
Summary
Graham Richardson is remembered as a loyal, sharp-minded figure who left a lasting mark on Australian politics and media.
Author’s summary: Graham Richardson’s legacy as a respected Labor figure and media contributor is marked by his insight, loyalty, and the personal warmth he shared with colleagues.