Iconic Aussie Politician Dies Aged 76
Former Labor senator, cabinet minister, and media commentator Graham “Richo” Richardson has passed away at the age of 76. His death has prompted a wave of tributes across Australia.
Richardson served in the Hawke and Keating governments and represented New South Wales in the Senate throughout his parliamentary career. He played a key role in the 1991 Labor Party leadership change, when Bob Hawke was replaced by Treasurer Paul Keating.
After leaving politics, Richardson became a political commentator and a regular face on Sky News Australia. He had struggled with his health for several years but continued to appear publicly.
“When he had his big health challenge, he said to his wife Amanda, ‘I’m going to live till I see Darcy finish exams and his HSC’,” said broadcaster Ben Fordham.
Fordham added that Richardson’s son Darcy completed his final HSC exam, French, on Thursday, and that Richardson passed away early Saturday morning. He had been battling influenza, pneumonia, and undergoing dialysis treatment.
Legacy and Family
- Labor senator for New South Wales
- Cabinet minister under Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating
- Influential figure in Labor’s 1991 leadership shift
- Respected political commentator after retirement
Author’s summary: Veteran Labor figure Graham "Richo" Richardson, long admired and debated in Australian politics, has died at 76 shortly after his son completed final exams.