'Frank yet charismatic': Former Labor senator Graham Richardson dead at 76

Frank yet charismatic: Former Labor senator Graham Richardson dead at 76

Graham Richardson, a veteran Labor powerbroker and Sky News contributor, passed away at the age of 76 on Saturday. He was a senior cabinet minister during the Hawke and Keating governments, a husband, a father, and a Sky News Australia contributor for 15 years.

Tribute from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Sky News on Saturday afternoon to honor Mr. Richardson as a "much loved" figure within the Labor Party.

“He’s someone who I often got advice from and he was always worth listening to,” Mr. Albanese said.

“He was someone who was very much loved within the Labor party, but more broadly as well – you spoke about the family there at Sky News.”

The Prime Minister described Richardson's intellect, political insight, and loyalty.

“He’s someone who everyone worked with him and had contact with him had to respect his intellect his capacity to cut through, and his insight into the way that politics worked.”

“Graham was someone who was incredibly loyal. He was loyal to me as Labor leader.”

Personal recollections

Mr. Albanese fondly remembered their shared moments.

“I’ll miss our lunches at the Malaya, we used to try to catch up at least once a year.”

Summary

Graham Richardson was a respected Labor leader and trusted advisor, celebrated for his sharp political mind and unwavering loyalty.

Sky News Australia — 2025-11-08