Australian political icon dies age 76

Australian Political Icon Graham Richardson Dies at 76

Former Labor senator and influential political commentator Graham Richardson has passed away at the age of 76. The longtime Labor powerbroker died around 3:50 a.m. on Saturday after a prolonged struggle with illness.

Richardson had been suffering from influenza in September, which developed into pneumonia. Despite his health challenges, he maintained a determined spirit. Before his passing, he told his wife Amanda that he planned to live until their teenage son D'Arcy completed his HSC exams. D'Arcy finished his final French exam just two days earlier, on Thursday.

“D'Arcy and Amanda have asked me to share the news with everyone that, sadly, Richo has passed away in the early hours of this morning,” said radio host Ben Fordham on 2GB, announcing the news to listeners. “In the past few weeks, he’s had a bout of influenza and then pneumonia, and also underwent a short dialysis treatment trying to clean his blood a bit.”

Richardson had faced serious health issues for decades. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and underwent major surgery in 2016 to remove his bowel. Despite these challenges, he continued to contribute to public life as a respected media personality and political analyst.

Graham Richardson’s last public appearance with his wife Amanda was at a movie premiere in November 2015. His passing marks the end of a long and dynamic chapter in Australian political life.

Author’s Summary

A seasoned Labor figure and media voice, Graham Richardson courageously faced years of illness before his passing at 76, shortly after his son’s final school exam.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-08

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