Athol Richardson
| The Honourable Athol Richardson OBE, QC | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New South Wales Parliament for Ashfield | |
|
In office 26 March 1938 – 5 February 1952 | |
| Preceded by | Milton Jarvie |
| Succeeded by | Jack Richardson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
15 May 1897 Newcastle New South Wales |
| Died |
22 May 1982 Darling Point, New South Wales, Australia |
| Spouse(s) | Isabel McCrea Watson |
| Children | One son, one daughter |
| Occupation | Politician/Lawyer |
| Religion | Church of England |
Athol Railton Richardson OBE, QC (15 May 1897 – 22 May 1982) was an Australian politician and judge. Richardson represented the Electoral district of Ashfield for the United Australia Party and the Liberal Party of Australia from 26 March 1938 until 5 February 1952.
Early life
Richardson was born to parents Stephen Arthur Richardson, a Salvation Army officer, and mother Elizabeth Sarah Urquhart in Newcastle, New South Wales. Richardson jnr served in World War I in the 2nd and 4th squadrons of the Australian Flying Corps in France from 1917 till 1919. He married Isabel McCrea Watson on 23 February 1928 and had one daughter and one son.[1]
Political Career
Richardson entered politics by contesting and winning the Electoral district of Ashfield for the United Australia Party at the 1935 New South Wales State election. He was subsequently re-elected to the seat of Ashfield at the 1938, 1941, 1944, 1946, 1947 and 1950 elections.
During his time in parliament he held various ministerial portfolio's including Minister for Social Services (13 October 1938 – 5 August 1939), Minister for Health (22 February 1939 – 30 June 1939), Minister for Labour and Industry (26 June 1939 – 5 August 1939) and Colonial Treasurer (16 August 1939 – 16 May 1941). He was also Deputy Leader of the Opposition for 1941 until 1945.[1]
Richardson retired from politics upon his appointment to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1952. During his judicial tenure, Richardson remained a member of the Liberal Party of Australia; Tom Hughes QC describes him as a man of 'orderly habits', but criticises him as 'a well-meaning man who gained marks only for sincerity and effort'.[2] Richardson retired from the bench in 1967.
Death and Honours
Richardson died on 22 May 1982, at Darling Point, New South Wales, Australia.[1]
Honours received
- King's Counsel in 1951
- Officer Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976
- Hon LLD New York 1968.
References
- 1 2 3 "The Hon. Athol Railton Richardson (1897 - 1982)". Members of Parliament. Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 23 February 2010.
- ↑ http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/supreme_court/ll_sc.nsf/pages/SCO_tefhughes020206
| Parliament of New South Wales | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Milton Jarvie |
Member for Ashfield 1938 – 1952 |
Succeeded by Jack Richardson |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Herbert Hawkins |
Minister for Social Services 1938 – 1939 |
Succeeded by George Gollan |
| Preceded by Herbert FitzSimons |
Minister for Health 1939 |
Succeeded by Herbert FitzSimons |
| Preceded by Herbert Hawkins |
Minister for Labour and Industry 1939 |
Succeeded by George Gollan |
| Preceded by Alexander Mair |
Colonial Treasurer of New South Wales 1939 – 1941 |
Succeeded by William McKell |
| Party political offices | ||
| Preceded by Bertram Stevens |
Deputy Leader of the United Australia Party 1941 – 1943 |
Party disbanded |
| New political party | Deputy Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party 1945 – 1946 |
Succeeded by Vernon Treatt |