Athol Richardson

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 11 May 1935 until 5 February 1952.

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.

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.

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'. Richardson retired from the bench in 1967.

Richardson died on 22 May 1982, at Darling Point, New South Wales, Australia.

Honours received

• King's Counsel in 1951
• Officer Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976
• Hon LLD New York 1968.