Former Labor powerbroker Graham Richardson dies aged 76

Former Labor senator and political powerbroker Graham Richardson has died aged 76 after battling influenza and pneumonia for several weeks.

Tributes are flowing from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing Mr Richardson as "a Labor legend" and "a loyal and insightful friend."

Politics defined Richardson's life. He left university early to immerse himself in the ALP's factional battles of the 1960s and, at just 26, became the youngest-ever general secretary of NSW Labor.

Known as the party's formidable "numbers man" on the right, Richardson's influence helped deliver Bob Hawke the leadership in 1983. Within the same year, he entered federal parliament as the youngest senator ever elected at the time.

As environment minister, Richardson brokered key environmental deals, blocking Tasmania's Wesley Vale pulp mill and saving the Daintree rainforest. His skill as a negotiator proved crucial in securing an alliance with the Australian Democrats and early Green movements during the 1990 election.

However, his career was often marked by controversy. After a falling-out with Hawke, he backed Paul Keating's leadership challenge and later served as transport, communications and health minister. His close friendship with media mogul Kerry Packer earned him the nickname "the Minister for Channel Nine."

Richardson's ministerial career ended amid scandal - first over his alleged role in a migration scheme known as the Marshall Islands affair, then after further allegations linked to other political controversies. He resigned from parliament at 45, citing ill health.

Outside politics, Richardson built a second career as a media commentator, corporate negotiator and broadcaster. He became a fixture on Sky News alongside Alan Jones and contributed a regular newspaper column.

Despite declining health, Richardson remained active in public life - often outspoken, sometimes divisive, but always influential.

He is remembered as one of the most formidable and pragmatic figures in Australian Labor history - a man whose political instincts and power-broking shaped the party for decades.