The Graham Richardson state funeral drew national attention as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led tributes to the former Labor senator, minister and political strategist. The service, held at St James’ Church in Sydney, brought together current and former leaders from both major parties as they reflected on the legacy of a figure long regarded as one of Labor’s most influential powerbrokers. Richardson, who died aged 76, was remembered for his instinctive political skills, long public career and later presence in the media.
St James’ Church in Sydney hosts the state funeral of Graham Richardson
Richardson’s complex reputation shaped the atmosphere of the gathering. While many mourners paid their respects to his public service, others noted the long-running controversies that accompanied his career. The broad attendance, however, demonstrated the wide network he built across decades in politics and commentary.
Albanese Pays Tribute to Labor Strategist at St James’ Church
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Richardson as “a man of many facets”, a phrase that captured the varied roles Richardson held. Albanese spoke of Richardson’s influence during the Hawke and Keating governments and his ability to read political shifts with rare precision. According to Albanese, Richardson shaped decisions at a time when internal Labor debates were often intense and far-reaching.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivers the eulogy, describing Richardson as “a man of many facets”
The prime minister also referred to Richardson’s work in environmental protection. As environment minister, Richardson supported moves that secured the future of the Daintree Rainforest and helped restrict logging in Tasmania’s old-growth forests. Albanese said that these actions formed a lasting part of Richardson’s record, even though Richardson had often downplayed his own contribution.
Cross-Party Attendance Reflects Broad Network
The Graham Richardson state funeral attracted figures spanning the political spectrum. Former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Paul Keating attended, although former Liberal prime minister John Howard did not. Abbott described Richardson as a “rough diamond but a gem”, noting Richardson’s ability to maintain relationships across party lines even during heated political contests.
Tony Abbott and Paul Keating were among the senior leaders who attended the state funeral
Federal ministers Tanya Plibersek, Tony Burke, Michelle Rowland and Deborah O’Neill were present, along with former NSW premier Bob Carr. The NSW government was represented by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, while the state opposition sent Natalie Ward. Their attendance demonstrated the breadth of Richardson’s influence within Labor and across state and federal politics.
Senior Figures from Media and Business Join Farewell
Well-known media and business personalities also attended the service. Broadcasters Alan Jones and Ben Fordham were present, reflecting Richardson’s later career as a commentator and his long association with Sky News. Chief executive Paul Whittaker and several Sky presenters joined the congregation, marking his role in shaping political discussion long after he left parliament.
Ros Packer, widow of media executive Kerry Packer, was also among the mourners. The presence of business and media guests pointed to Richardson’s reach beyond politics and his reputation for maintaining close relationships across influential circles.
Family Shares Personal Reflections on His Final Years
Richardson’s widow, Amanda, thanked St James’ Church for hosting the service after the family encountered issues holding it at St Mary’s Cathedral. Her address focused on Richardson’s health challenges, particularly a major operation in 2016 that left him using a wheelchair in his later years.
His son, D’Arcy, spoke of the effort Richardson made to remain an active father despite ongoing medical complications. He said that his father’s role in his life during those years was the legacy that mattered most to their family. Richardson died only days after his son completed his final school exams.
Long Public Career Marked by Achievements and Controversy
Richardson’s career included moments of public scrutiny. He resigned from the ministry in 1992 after questions arose over his involvement in a case related to a migration scheme in the Marshall Islands. He later returned to cabinet but stepped down again in 1994 after being named in a Queensland police report raised in parliament, which he denied.
Figures such as Geoffrey Watson, a former counsel assisting the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption, criticised the decision to grant a state funeral. Watson described the move as inappropriate due to the controversies attached to Richardson’s record. Despite this criticism, Albanese stated that the Labor Party chose to remember the full scope of Richardson’s contribution.
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Final Thoughts
The Graham Richardson state funeral brought together political, media and community figures to recognise a career that shaped federal Labor and national debate. While his public life contained disputes and challenges, the gathering reflected the wide circle of relationships he built over several decades. Albanese said that Richardson left “many facets”, a phrase that captured the varied roles he occupied and the mixed assessments that will continue to follow his legacy.
FAQs
- What is the Graham Richardson state funeral?
The Graham Richardson state funeral is a formal state farewell for the former Labor senator and minister. It was held at St James’ Anglican Church in Sydney on 9 December 2025. The service was arranged by the federal government after his family accepted the offer of a state funeral following his death in November 2025. - Why was the funeral held at St James’ Church?
The family moved the venue from St Mary’s Cathedral to St James’ Church after the cathedral was unable to accommodate several elements the family wished to include in the ceremony. - Who attended the state funeral?
The service was attended by leaders from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Paul Keating, federal ministers, state representatives and several high-profile media figures. The broad attendance reflected Richardson’s extensive network. - What was said in the eulogy?
Prime Minister Albanese described Richardson as “a man of many facets” and referred to his influence on federal Labor during the Hawke and Keating governments. Albanese also spoke about Richardson’s work in environmental protection and his continued involvement in public life after leaving parliament. - What roles did Richardson hold in his career?
Richardson served as a senator for New South Wales and held ministerial portfolios in the Hawke and Keating governments, including environment, tourism, health and transport. After leaving politics, he became a political commentator and broadcaster. - Did the funeral include tributes from family?
Yes. Richardson’s son, D’Arcy, shared personal reflections on his father’s health challenges and his commitment to family in his later years. His widow, Amanda, also spoke about his final years and expressed the family’s gratitude to the church. - Were there criticisms of granting a state funeral?
Some public figures criticised the decision due to the controversies associated with Richardson’s career. Others argued that the honour recognised his long service to federal politics and his role in shaping national policy during the 1980s and 1990s. - What official protocols were observed?
The Australian national flag was flown at half-mast across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory on the day of the service as a formal mark of respect for Richardson.
