Fiona Richardson’s family posts heartbreaking tribute

Fiona Richardson’s family has paid a heartbreaking tribute to the ‘quiet women’s rights champion’ after she died one day after quitting politics to focus on her health.

The 50-year-old Victorian MP tragically died from cancer on Wednesday, after announcing she would take time off from her parliamentary duties for health reasons after being diagnosed with multiple tumours.

Ms Richardson left behind two children Marcus and Catherine and her husband Stephen.

‘She was an unwavering advocate on behalf of victim-survivors and every Victorian touched by the tragedy of family violence,’ the family said. 

Victorian MP Fiona Richardson has tragically passed away a day after she announced she was quitting parliament next year to focus on her health 

Ms Richardson served as the Minister for Women and the first ever Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.

Ms Richardson’s family said her passion for the job was unparalleled.

‘Fiona had unfinished business. She wanted violence in the home to stop and she knew for that to happen it would take dedication and leadership over the course of a generation,’ they said. 

Since she was elected to Parliament in 2006, Ms Richardson oversaw the Royal Commission into Family Violence, funding Victoria against Violence, and developing the state’s first Gender Equality Strategy.

‘She achieved so much for victims in a short space of time,’ her family said. 

‘Fiona was a quiet champion of women’s rights, with an all-woman Ministerial office devoted to her.’  

Fiona Richardson's husband Stephen Newnham pictured on Australian Story in 2016 

Fiona Richardson’s husband Stephen Newnham pictured on Australian Story in 2016 

Ms Richardson’s family commended her for sharing her personal story with Australia.

‘Her decision to talk about her own family’s experience on Australian Story took guts,’ they said.

‘Her strength and insight – the love between her, mother Veronica, brothers Hamish and Alastair – touched the lives of many people and allowed them a glimpse of why she was such a fearless champion for victim-survivors.’

Ms Richardson appeared on Australian Story in March 2016 where she revealed she was physically abused by her father. 

Labor Leader Bill Shorten described Ms Richardson as a 'remarkable, brave and inspirational woman'

Labor Leader Bill Shorten described Ms Richardson as a ‘remarkable, brave and inspirational woman’

Ms Richardson announced on Tuesday she was taking more time off after being diagnosed with multiple tumours, but she passed away on Wednesday night 

Ms Richardson announced on Tuesday she was taking more time off after being diagnosed with multiple tumours, but she passed away on Wednesday night 

The mother-of-two successfully battled cancer in 2013 and returned to parliament to become Victoria’s first minister for the prevention of family violence. 

Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, Matthew Guy, was among the first to post a tribute to Ms Richardson.

‘Vale Fiona Richardson MP. The sadness at Spring Street will be immense. To her family, friends, colleagues, my thoughts, sympathy and love,’ he tweeted. 

Philip Dalidakis described the member of Northcote as ‘a friend and mentor.’

‘Fiona Richardson was my friend & mentor. She called it how it was, even when I didn’t want to hear it. A formidable, amazing woman. 140 characters doesn’t do Fiona Richardson justice. Better for her living, poorer for her passing. Wishing her friends/family a long life.’ 

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews were among several high-profile politicians to touch on the matter, with many offering their deepest condolences to her family

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews were among several high-profile politicians to touch on the matter, with many offering their deepest condolences to her family

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Brendan O'Connor went with a similar theme commending her fighting qualities

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Brendan O’Connor went with a similar theme commending her fighting qualities

Writer Anne Summers spoke of Richardson's efforts with gender equality in a moving post

Writer Anne Summers spoke of Richardson’s efforts with gender equality in a moving post

Victorian State Parliament MP Louise Staley referred to Ms Richardson as a ‘warrior.’

‘Vale Fiona Richardson. A warrior for her causes, a woman of outstanding ability, an MP of conviction. Rest in peace,’ she posted to social media. 

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Brendan O’Connor went with a similar theme commending her fighting qualities.

‘Vale Labor warrior, Minister and friend Fiona Richardson. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends. Jodi and Brendan’, he shared to social media. 

Writer Anne Summers spoke of Richardson’s efforts with gender equality in a moving post.

‘We *owe* Fiona Richardson so much. Mourn her by acknowledging her pioneering contribution to gender equity & #VAW. Vale Fiona’, she said. 

2015 Australian of the Year and domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty touched on Richardson’s contributions to her career.

‘Devastated at friend Fiona Richardson’s passing. Huge support to me during my journey & for all victimes. Thoughts with family, staff & all’, she shared. 

Ms Richardson revealed on Tuesday she would take time off to focus on her health

Ms Richardson revealed on Tuesday she would take time off to focus on her health

2015 Australian of the Year and domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty touched on Richardson's contributions to her career.

2015 Australian of the Year and domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty touched on Richardson’s contributions to her career.

She successfully battled cancer in 2013 and returned to parliament to become Victoria's first minister for the prevention of family violence

She successfully battled cancer in 2013 and returned to parliament to become Victoria’s first minister for the prevention of family violence

Ms Richardson, 50, was diagnosed with a serious illness before the winter break and gave notice yesterday that she would be taking leave from her parliamentary duties 

Ms Richardson, 50, was diagnosed with a serious illness before the winter break and gave notice yesterday that she would be taking leave from her parliamentary duties 

Philip Dalidakis described the member of Northcote as ‘a friend and mentor.’

‘Fiona Richardson was my friend & mentor. She called it how it was, even when I didn’t want to hear it. A formidable, amazing woman. 140 characters doesn’t do Fiona Richardson justice. Better for her living, poorer for her passing. Wishing her friends/family a long life.’ 

Victorian State Parliament MP Louise Staley referred to Ms Richardson as a ‘warrior.’

‘Vale Fiona Richardson. A warrior for her causes, a woman of outstanding ability, an MP of conviction. Rest in peace,’ she posted to social media. 

Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, Matthew Guy, was among the first to post a tribute to Ms Richardson

Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, Matthew Guy, was among the first to post a tribute to Ms Richardson

Victorian State Parliament MP Louise Staley referred to Ms Richardson as a 'warrior'

Victorian State Parliament MP Louise Staley referred to Ms Richardson as a ‘warrior’

The Labor MP for Northcote announced yesterday she was planning to leave politics as her conditioned worsened. 

‘I have been diagnosed with multiple tumours for which I am receiving treatment,’ Ms Richardson said yesterday.

‘I intended to return to work part time next week, however my recovery is not going the way I had planned.

Ms Richardson said she would be taking time off work after her health didn't go to plan

Ms Richardson said she would be taking time off work after her health didn’t go to plan

'I have been diagnosed with multiple tumours for which I am receiving treatment,' Ms Richardson said yesterday

‘I have been diagnosed with multiple tumours for which I am receiving treatment,’ Ms Richardson said yesterday

‘I am grateful that the premier has agreed to an extended period of leave from my portfolio to enable me to concentrate of my health.’

Ms Richardson posted her regards on her social media accounts, thanking everyone for their support during the difficult time.

‘Thank you to everyone for your kind words of encouragement and support,’ she posted.

The Family Violence Prevention Minister (pictured) first took time off from politics in 2013 to fight breast cancer

The Family Violence Prevention Minister (pictured) first took time off from politics in 2013 to fight breast cancer

Victorian MP Fiona Richardson has tragically passed away from cancer a day after she announced she was quitting parliament next year to focus on her health

Victorian MP Fiona Richardson has tragically passed away from cancer a day after she announced she was quitting parliament next year to focus on her health

‘While I haven’t been able to respond to you each individually, I think you for your well wishes while I focus on recovery.’ 

Premier Daniel Andrews said Ms Richardson had been an ‘unwavering advocate’ against family violence. 

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Fiona and her family and we will do everything we can to support her during this difficult time,’ he said in a statement yesterday before her death. 

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