Kingmaker, Labor warrior and no stranger to scandal: Graham Richardson dies at 76
Graham Richardson, a former senator and influential figure in the Hawke and Keating Labor governments, has died at 76 after a long struggle with cancer. His political career combined remarkable influence with persistent controversy.
Richardson earned a reputation as one of the most skilled powerbrokers in modern Australian politics, a man whose name became synonymous with a particular brand of pragmatic, deal-making politics.
The Memoir and Its Controversy
In 1994, Richardson released his memoir, Whatever It Takes, which drew significant attention for his unapologetic defense of political lying. The book’s notoriety underscored much of the tension in commentary on his career, where frankness and cynicism coexisted.
“Everyone knows that politicians lie.”
This blunt statement captured both the tone of the memoir and the political climate it described. While critics noted inconsistencies and gaps in his storytelling, others appreciated the raw honesty and self-awareness in his reflections.
Behind-the-Scenes Operator
Much of Richardson’s power resided in political backrooms, where he orchestrated deals, built alliances, and shaped the fates of leaders with methodical precision. His charm and approachable demeanor often concealed the sharp instincts of a seasoned strategist.
Early Life
Born on September 27, 1949, Richardson was the son of Fred Richardson, who later became the state secretary of the Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union. This family connection offered an early window into the world of organized labor and party politics.
Author’s Summary
Graham Richardson’s life fused political cunning with candid self-reflection, leaving a legacy that remains both admired and debated within Australian Labor history.