Iconic Australian Politician Graham “Richo” Richardson Dies at 76
Graham “Richo” Richardson, former Labor senator, influential powerbroker, and political commentator, has passed away at the age of 76. Tributes have poured in following his death on Saturday, shortly after he vowed to hold on until his son finished his HSC exams.
Political Career and Media Work
Richardson served as a cabinet minister during the Hawke and Keating governments and represented New South Wales as a Labor senator throughout his parliamentary career. After leaving politics, he became a well-known political commentator and frequent contributor to Sky News Australia.
Final Days and Family
He died after battling long-term health problems, including bouts of influenza, pneumonia, and undergoing dialysis. Despite his condition, he promised his wife Amanda he would hold on until his son D’Arcy completed his HSC exams, which he did on Thursday.
“When he had his big health challenge, he said to his wife Amanda, ‘I’m going to live till I see Darcy finish exams and his HSC’,” said 2GB host Ben Fordham.
“Darcy did his last HSC exam on Thursday, which was his French exam. And Richo died this morning.”
Richardson is survived by his wife Amanda and their son D’Arcy. He also had a son and daughter from his first marriage.
“I’ve lost the love of my life. D’Arcy’s lost the greatest dad and Australia’s lost one of its best. He was a man ahead of his time,” Amanda said in a statement.
Graham Richardson’s influence on Australian politics and media leaves a lasting legacy.
Would you like the summary sentence to have a more formal or conversational tone?