Iconic Aussie Politician Dies at 76
Former Labor senator, cabinet minister, and political commentator Graham “Richo” Richardson has passed away at the age of 76. The veteran powerbroker died early Saturday after battling long-term health problems.
Tributes have been flowing in for Richardson, who was a significant figure in Australian politics. He served as a cabinet minister in the Hawke and Keating governments and represented New South Wales in the Senate throughout his parliamentary career.
Political Legacy
Richardson played a key role in the 1991 Labor leadership change that saw Bob Hawke replaced by then-Treasurer Paul Keating. His political influence extended beyond parliament as he later became a commentator and long-time contributor to Sky News Australia.
Final Days
Despite his declining health, Richardson expressed a strong desire to live until his son D’Arcy completed his Higher School Certificate exams — a wish he ultimately fulfilled. D’Arcy finished his last exam just two days before his father’s passing.
“When he had his big health challenge, he said to his wife Amanda, ‘I’m going to live till I see D’Arcy finish exams and his HSC,’” 2GB host Ben Fordham shared. “D’Arcy did his last HSC exam on Thursday, which was his French exam. And Richo died this morning.”
Fordham added that Richardson had faced recurring bouts of influenza and pneumonia and was undergoing dialysis in recent months.
Author's Summary
Graham "Richo" Richardson, an influential Labor senator and commentator, passed away at 76, fulfilling his wish to see his son finish high school before his death.