Farewelling a Political Force: Remembering Graham ‘Richo’ Richardson
Today I’m talking about the state funeral of Graham “Richo” Richardson, a moment that brought together some of Australia’s most influential political and media figures. It was held at St James’ Anglican Church in Sydney, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a heartfelt eulogy honouring a man whose impact on Australian politics was felt for decades. Albanese said that when Graham left parliament, he never really left politics — a line that captured just how deeply embedded Richo was in the nation’s political fabric.
The service itself became a gathering of past and present power players. Former prime minister Tony Abbott, former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, senior ministers like Tony Burke, and senators from across party lines filled the pews. Media personalities such as Alan Jones, Richard Wilkins and Ben Fordham were also there, a reminder of Richardson’s second act as a broadcaster and commentator. It was noted that he passed away at 76 after weeks battling influenza and pneumonia.
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Throughout the ceremony, stories were shared that painted a picture of a charismatic, sharp, unpredictable figure. There were tales from long lunches at Sydney’s Golden Century — a place almost synonymous with Richo’s infamous “soy sauce diplomacy”. Friends recalled how deals, alliances, and even political ceasefires were shaped over chopsticks and lazy Susans. One colleague joked that working with him was like carrying a grenade in your pocket. Another remembered how he was wheeled into a newsroom in 2016, just months after a major surgery, so he could still offer election-night analysis.
His contributions to the Sydney 2000 Olympics bid were acknowledged, as were his roles in major environmental decisions. Albanese highlighted that Richo was especially proud of helping protect the Daintree and Tasmania’s old-growth forests — achievements he believed would outlast his own legacy.
But the service didn’t ignore his complicated history. His life was colourful, controversial, and often shadowed by allegations of corruption. While he was named in various investigations across the years, he was never formally charged, and he consistently denied wrongdoing. Even so, that complexity was part of what defined him — a political operator who lived by the motto “Whatever It Takes”.
The most emotional moments came from his family. His wife, Amanda, shared how he insisted he wasn’t ready to go, and their son D’Arcy spoke movingly about understanding from a young age that his father might not have as much time as other dads. Yet he also explained that Richo kept his promise to stay alive long enough to see him finish the HSC.
As his flag-draped coffin was carried out by friends and colleagues, it was clear that Graham Richardson left behind a legacy full of contradictions — brilliance, controversy, loyalty, humour and sharp political instinct. A figure with many facets, remembered by many who admired him, challenged him, or simply couldn’t ignore him.
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