The political world is mourning the loss of Graham Richardson, the formidable former Labor minister and master political operator, who has died at the age of 76 after a long period of ill health. His death was announced on a sombre Saturday, marking the end of an era for Australian politics.
A Formidable Political Operator
Branded the "minister for kneecaps" during his tenure as a Labor senator, Richardson was a powerbroker of immense influence. His talent for wrangling party factions and his unwavering mantra of "whatever it takes" made him a central figure in the Hawke government. A gregarious character known for his love of long lunches, 'Richo' was a charming risk-taker whose career was as controversial as it was impactful.
Despite being dogged by scandals, he navigated the treacherous waters of politics with remarkable skill, earning a reputation as one of Australia's most well-connected figures. His career, however, was not without its low points. He was never found guilty of any crime, but he faced appearances at two royal commissions in the early 1980s and was linked to the Enmore affair, a branch-stacking scandal involving the bashing of a colleague.
A Substantial Policy Legacy
Beyond the backroom deals, Richardson left a significant mark on Australian policy. As environment minister, he was a passionate advocate for conservation. He was instrumental in securing World Heritage status for the Kakadu national park and the Daintree rainforest, and he established crucial protections for native forests. His ability to build an alliance with the Greens was pivotal in securing an unprecedented fourth term for Labor under Bob Hawke.
Earlier, as social security minister during a pressured economic period, he fought fiercely for pensioners at risk of losing their incomes. Reflecting on his environmental work, Richardson once said, "When I was Minister for the Environment, I did things that I think stand the test of time as really good decisions and I’m proud of those. They don’t go away. They are a constant reminder you were there."
Rise, Fall, and Post-Politics Life
Richardson's journey began in the Sydney suburbs of Kogarah and Allawah. A near-fatal car accident at 16 left him with facial scarring and depression. He found his calling in Labor politics, inspired by his father's union work, and was welcomed into the party's hard-nosed Right faction in 1971.
His rise was meteoric, culminating in his masterminding of the numbers that saw Bob Hawke replace Bill Hayden as leader. However, the relationship soured after the 1990 election when Hawke denied Richardson the transport portfolio he coveted. This led Richardson to shift his allegiance to Paul Keating, helping topple Hawke in 1991.
His ministerial career ultimately unravelled in 1992 during the Marshall Islands affair, leading to his resignation. He left politics entirely in 1994. In his later years, he became a lobbyist, radio host, and political commentator for Sky News. In 2020, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Graham Richardson was married twice, first to Cheryl Gardner, with whom he had two children. He is survived by his second wife, Amanda, and their son.
