Richardson farewelled as a man who did whatever it took

True believer. Machine man. Political fixer. Group hacking. Labor giant. “Minister responsible for kneecaps”. Myth.

Graham Richardson, who died Saturday morning aged 76, could have been any or many of these, depending on who you talk to, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In his statement about Mr. Richardson’s passing, Mr. Albanese acknowledged that Richardson was “often colorful and sometimes controversial.”

But Mr Albanese emphasized Mr Richardson’s ethos of service, which he said was “underpinned by a powerful blend of passion and pragmatism”.

He credited Mr Richardson with saving rainforests in the Wet Tropics of Queensland’s north, including the Daintree, during his time as environment minister in Bob Hawke’s government.

He was backed by Greens founder Bob Brown, who said the former Labor senator’s control of the environmental movement was key to the longevity of the Hawke government.

“Richo had a rare understanding of Australians’ love of wildlife and an even rarer ability to translate that devotion into a winning political strategy,” Mr Brown said.

Praise for Mr. Richardson has spread to all facets of politics, even though he has a reputation for ruthlessness. His autobiography took its name from his approach to politics: Whatever It Takes.

Writing for The Conversation, historian Frank Bongiorno said that “his controversial career has more holes in Richardson’s book than a slice of Swiss cheese.”

But despite the book arguing that he lied as part of the political game, opponents praised Mr. Richardson as a straight shooter.

Former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg described him as “a fiercely loyal Labor man who was not afraid to make friends from across the political aisle”.

He forged a successful post-political career as a broadcaster and commentator.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott wrote to X that he was “grateful for the friendship that has developed since he began his media work”.

“He played his politics harshly, but at least he also acted fairly in his later years.”