Graham Richardson, a name synonymous with Australian politics, has often been at the center of controversy. Yet, despite numerous allegations and inquiries, he has managed to evade any formal charges of wrongdoing. From his early days as the NSW ALP general secretary to his later years as a federal Labor minister, Richardson’s career has been marked by a series of “lucky escapes.”
The announcement comes as a reflection on the 2014 New South Wales corruption inquiry, which, like the Criminal Justice Commission inquiry two decades earlier, failed to yield any significant findings against him. Richardson’s ability to navigate through political and legal storms has been nothing short of legendary.
Early Controversies and Allegations
In 1977, while serving as the NSW ALP general secretary, Richardson’s then-wife, Cheryl, was controversially placed on the payroll of Balmain Welding, a company owned by his friend Danny Casey. Despite never setting foot in the office, Cheryl was listed as a typist. The company was notorious for its connections to Sydney’s underworld, with figures like Stan “the Man” Smith involved.
The Woodward Royal Commission on drug trafficking later scrutinized Balmain Welding, suspecting it of being a front for drug importations. Remarkably, during this period, Richardson became a silent partner in the business, lobbying for favorable leases without disclosing his financial interests. His lobbying efforts, however, were unsuccessful.
Political Influence and Financial Dealings
Richardson’s influence extended beyond local politics. In 1987, he approached West Australian developer John Roberts for a donation to the federal Labor Party. Roberts, founder of the Multiplex construction group, obliged with a $200,000 contribution after attending a significant political event.
Years later, Richardson’s connections with media mogul Kerry Packer and Eddie Obeid came under scrutiny. Obeid, with Richardson’s help, acquired the Offset Alpine printing plant, which mysteriously burned down in 1993, leading to a significant insurance payout. This incident raised questions about Richardson’s involvement, especially after a $1 million transfer from his Swiss account to an associate of the Obeid family was uncovered.
“Graham Richardson … did not want an official account in his own name and so we opened for him a portfolio called Cheshire in my account.” — Rene Rivkin
This revelation led to a prolonged battle with the tax office over Richardson’s Swiss bank account, which he claimed was a gift from Rivkin for his “personal qualities.”
Public Feuds and Legal Battles
Richardson’s career has not been without its public spats. In 2018, a heated exchange on Sky News with former Federal Labor leader Mark Latham saw accusations fly, with Latham listing Richardson’s alleged misdeeds. Despite the accusations, Richardson maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing.
Similarly, in 2005, his connection to the bashing of Peter Baldwin, a rival faction member in the NSW Labor Party, was brought into question. Crime figure Joe Meissner implicated Richardson in the attack, but Richardson denied any involvement, attributing the incident to independent actions by others.
Richardson’s legal battles have often ended in settlements, as seen in his lawsuit against Fairfax Media, which was resolved without a court case. His ability to emerge unscathed from such controversies has only added to his enigmatic reputation.
The Legacy of Graham Richardson
Despite the numerous allegations and inquiries, Richardson has never been formally charged with corruption. His career, marked by political influence and controversy, continues to be a subject of intrigue and debate within Australian political circles.
As Richardson himself noted on his Sky News program, “There’ll be no finding ever of corruption against me.” Whether this is a testament to his innocence or his adeptness at navigating the political landscape remains a question for the ages.
Meanwhile, the stories and scandals surrounding Graham Richardson serve as a reminder of the complex and often murky world of politics, where influence and power can sometimes overshadow allegations and inquiries.
