Graham Richardson, a prominent figure in Australian politics and former Labor Minister, has died at the age of 76. Tributes have been led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who highlighted Richardson's loyalty to the Labor cause and his significant policy achievements, including the successful advocacy for the Daintree Rainforest's World Heritage listing during his time as Environment Minister.
Albanese further described him as an "ultimate machine man" who also achieved substantial policy outcomes. Former Liberal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg also offered condolences. Throughout his career, Richardson was widely characterized as a ruthless powerbroker within the Labor Party's right faction.
Former Foreign Minister Gareth Evans commented that Richardson's "whatever it takes" philosophy, while instrumental to his political success, was not always a recipe for good, principled government. This approach, which Richardson reportedly embraced, was also seen as a winning edge, and was explored in Marian Wilkinson's 1996 book, The Fixer.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/08/graham-richardson-dies-richo-former-labor-party-powerbroker-dead-at-76