Labor heavyweight Graham Richardson dies aged 76

Mr Richardson passed away after a bout of influenza and pneumonia, his family told the breakfast host who announced the news.

"Darcy and Amanda have asked me to share the news with everyone, and sadly, Richo has passed away in the early hours of this morning, Fordham said.

"This has come as a huge shock to me."

The former senator played a major role in the factional stability enjoyed for most of the nine years of Bob Hawke's government before he threw his support behind Paul Keating.

He also became an advocate for nature and as environment minister, fought hard to save forests and halt polluting development.

Mr Richardson's later years were dominated by health battles with chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.