Graham Richardson
Graham Frederick Richardson AO (born 27 September 1949) is an Australian former Labor Party politician who was a Senator for New South Wales from 1983 to 1994 and served as a Cabinet Minister in both the Hawke and Keating governments. He is currently a media commentator, public speaker, and political lobbyist.
Graham Richardson | |
|---|---|
Richardson in 2011 | |
| Minister for the Environment | |
| In office 1 March 1994 – 25 March 1994 | |
| Prime Minister | Paul Keating |
| Preceded by | Ros Kelly |
| Succeeded by | John Faulkner |
| In office 24 July 1987 – 4 April 1990 | |
| Prime Minister | Bob Hawke |
| Preceded by | Barry Cohen |
| Succeeded by | Ros Kelly |
| Minister for Health | |
| In office 24 March 1993 – 25 March 1994 | |
| Prime Minister | Paul Keating |
| Preceded by | Brian Howe |
| Succeeded by | Carmen Lawrence |
| Minister for Transport and Communications | |
| In office 27 December 1991 – 18 May 1992 | |
| Prime Minister | Paul Keating |
| Preceded by | John Kerin |
| Succeeded by | Bob Collins |
| Vice-President of the Executive Council | |
| In office 1 February 1991 – 18 May 1992 | |
| Preceded by | Kim Beazley |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Willis |
| Minister for Social Security | |
| In office 4 April 1990 – 27 December 1991 | |
| Prime Minister | Bob Hawke Paul Keating |
| Preceded by | Brian Howe |
| Succeeded by | Neal Blewett |
| Senator for New South Wales | |
| In office 5 March 1983 – 25 March 1994 | |
| Preceded by | Tony Mulvihill |
| Succeeded by | Michael Forshaw |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Graham Frederick Richardson 27 September 1949 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouse(s) | Cheryl Gardener (m. 1973) (sep.) Amanda |
| Children | Matthew Richardson D'Arcy Richardson |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Nickname | Richo |
During his time in the Senate, Richardson was often referred to as a "power broker" within the Labor Right faction. Prior to entering parliament, Richardson was a Labor Party branch organiser and held the position of General Secretary of the Australian Labor Party (New South Wales Branch) from 1976 to 1983. Since retiring from politics, Richardson has become a political commentator for Sky News Australia, and previously hosted a weekly commentary program Richo.