Kingmaker, Labor Warrior, and No Stranger to Scandal: Graham Richardson Dies at 76
Graham Richardson, a former senator and powerful figure during the Hawke and Keating Labor governments, died at 76 after a long battle with cancer. His career was influential but frequently enveloped in controversy.
Political Influence and Controversies
Richardson's name is closely linked to a distinctive style of politics in modern Australia. His 1994 memoir, Whatever it Takes, gained notoriety for his unapologetic defense of political dishonesty.
"Everyone knows that politicians lie."
The book revealed many inconsistencies but attracted attention through its candid and rough-edged tone. Richardson was adept at commanding notice, even though much of his significant political maneuvering occurred away from public scrutiny.
The Powerbroker Behind the Scenes
In smoke-filled back rooms, deals were made, plots hatched, and people promoted or undermined, all orchestrated with a strategic precision that contrasted with Richardson's seemingly easy-going and gregarious persona.
Early Life
Born on September 27, 1949, Richardson was the son of Fred Richardson, who later became state secretary of the Amalgamated Postal Workers’ Union.
"Whatever it Takes was the apt title of Richardson’s 1994 memoir, a book that achieved notoriety because of its author’s defence of lying."
Despite the accusations and scandals, Richardson remained a central figure in Labor politics, embodying the archetype of a political kingmaker.
Legacy
His legacy is marked by a blend of political skill, controversy, and candidness about the realities of power.
Summary: Graham Richardson embodied the ruthless and candid nature of political powerbrokering in Australia's Labor movement, shaping the era's politics both publicly and behind closed doors.