Graham Richardson, the former New South Wales senator and Labor Party powerbroker, has died at the age of 76 after a long period of ill health. He passed away early on Saturday morning.
Richardson served as a senator for New South Wales from 1983 to 1994 and held ministerial positions in the Hawke and Keating governments, including environment, sport, and social security. He was known for his role as a factional enforcer within the Labor Party's right wing, earning the nickname 'minister for kneecaps'.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes, describing Richardson as a 'larger-than-life character' who was 'incredibly loyal' and passionate about Labor. Albanese highlighted Richardson's environmental legacy, noting that the Daintree Rainforest received World Heritage listing due to his advocacy.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said Richardson 'attached power to purpose' and was 'kind and generous in his semi-retirement'. Former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg also paid tribute, acknowledging Richardson's willingness to cross the political aisle.
Environmentalist Bob Brown credited Richardson as the 'engineer of the Hawke government’s monumental environmental wins', while broadcaster Phillip Adams noted his involvement in scandals. Richardson was also a key architect of the 1991 leadership change that saw Paul Keating replace Bob Hawke as prime minister.
