Graham Richardson, a prominent figure in Australian politics and former Labor senator, has died at the age of 76. He passed away early Saturday morning at 3:50 a.m. after battling influenza and pneumonia, as confirmed by his family to a local radio host. Ben Fordham, who spoke with Richardson's wife and son, shared the news on air. "Darcy and Amanda have asked me to share the news with everyone that, sadly, Richo has passed away in the early hours of this morning," Fordham said. Richardson's political career began in the 1960s, where he quickly became involved in Labor's factional disputes. He left university to learn from influential party leaders and became the youngest general secretary of the New South Wales Labor Party at just 26 years old. Known as the "numbers man" for the right-wing faction, he played a crucial role in reshaping the party's leadership. In 1983, Richardson was instrumental in the ousting of then-leader Bill Hayden, paving the way for Bob Hawke to take charge. At 33, he made history as the youngest senator elected at that time. He later served as a cabinet minister under both Hawke and Paul Keating, overseeing various portfolios including social security, transport, health, and the environment. Richardson's negotiation skills were vital during the 1990 election, where he brokered a deal with the Australian Democrats and early Green parties. This alliance helped secure a narrow victory for Labor, while also leading to significant environmental protections, including the blocking of the Wesley Vale pulp mill and the preservation of the Daintree rainforest. In addition to his political career, Richardson was a media commentator, contributing to Sky News for 15 years. The network's CEO praised him as one of the sharpest political minds in Australia, noting his ability to provide insightful commentary and accurately predict election outcomes. "Richo was an inspiring and loyal member of the Sky News team whose presence in the newsroom, and on our screens, will be greatly missed," the CEO said. Richardson is survived by his wife Amanda and son Darcy, who recently completed his final high school exams. Fordham noted that Richardson had expressed a desire to live long enough to see his son finish his studies. The political community is mourning the loss of a significant figure whose contributions shaped the landscape of Australian politics for decades. More details will follow as they become available.