News
9 November, 2025
Tributes flow from all sides of politics for Labor hardman
Graham Richardson may have been known as a political hardman – but he is also being remembered for his friendship, loyalty and generosity.
Graham Richardson may have been known as a political hardman – but he is also being remembered for his friendship, loyalty and generosity.
Mr Richardson, 76, passed away on Saturday after a long battle with bone cancer.
Politicians of all persuasions have praised his contribution to public life and his courage in the face of serious health issues.
Mr Richardson at one stage called the Southern Highlands home, having owned a property in Burradoo.
He had no major public role in the area but used the 5-hectare property, Bantry, as a personal retreat from federal politics when he had the chance.
It is where he stayed in 2004 when he was linked to shares in the Offset Alpine Printing Group and a series of Swiss bank accounts under investigation by corporate regulators.
Mr Richardson purchased the property in 1995.
Another former Southern Highlands resident, controversial broadcaster Alan Jones, described Mr Richardson as a “one off” and said there was no-one with better political judgement.
He also described him as a “dear friend” and someone who was “loyal and kind, often to a fault”.
“In his era, Labor could boast some of its great names in the history of the movement, yet amongst them he was a political giant,” Mr Jones said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Mr Richardson as a “giant of the Labor party and a remarkable Australian”.
He said the scale of Mr Richardson’s achievements was “indisputable”.
“Richo’s life was often colourful, and sometimes controversial, but what lay at the heart of it was his sense of service, underpinned by his powerful blend of passion and pragmatism,” the Prime Minister said.
“He gave so much to our party, to our nation and to the natural environment that future generations will cherish”.
Mr Richardson was elected to Federal Parliament as a senator for NSW in 1983 and went on to serve as a cabinet minister in both the Hawke and Keating governments.
After retiring from politics in 1994 he forged a successful career as a media commentator, public speaker and political lobbyist.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had enjoyed an ‘unlikely’ friendship with Mr Richardson for more than 15 years.
“Despite our political differences, he would always be fair and respectful and assumed that, like him, you also wanted the best for our country.”
“Richo was a good friend,” Mr Morrison said.
“He was loyal, tribal, insightful and truly one of a kind.”
Another former Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Mr Richardson as a “fierce Labor warrior” who had mellowed in later years.
“I am grateful for a friendship that blossomed after he began his media work,” Mr Abbott said.
He said Mr Richardson had played his politics ‘hard’ but “exemplified a decent partisanship that could engage opponents with respect”.
Premier Chris Minns said Mr Richardson had made a significant contribution to public life – in particular his work as Environment Minister to secure protection and world heritage listing for the Daintree Rainforest and Kakadu National Park.
“His influence on the Labor Party and Australian politics was considerable and his legacy will be remembered by many who worked alongside him,” Mr Minns said.
NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, said Mr Richardson had been a ‘giant’ of Australian politics right to the end.
He said Mr Richardson’s legacy would be remembered “by all who worked with him and learned from him”.
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said Mr Richardson would be “sorely missed and dearly remembered across the political aisle”.
She said his battle with serious health issues over many years spoke to Mr Richardson’s “resilience and spirit”.
Mr Richardson is survived by wife Amanda and son Darcy.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Burradoo