Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull broke his silence on the death of Victorian MP Fiona Richardson during a press conference on soaring energy costs and the postal plebiscite.
‘A tragedy for a young woman to be taken so suddenly from her family, our condolences,’ Mr Turnbull told a crowd of media in Albury, on the NSW and Victoria boarder, around midday on Thursday.
Bill Shorten led the tributes for Ms Richardson after news of her death broke, just one day after she announced she was quitting parliament next year to focus on her health.
Ms Richardson revealed on Tuesday she was taking more time off after being diagnosed with multiple tumours.
It wasn’t long until social media was awash with comments echoing Shorten’s sentiment – except for Mr Turnbull, who didn’t publicly acknowledge her passing for several hours.
The prime minister instead focused his attention of the upcoming plebiscite on marriage equality.
‘Today is your last chance to enrol and have your say in the postal plebiscite. Update and check your details at aec.gov.au,’ he tweeted.
Victorian MP Fiona Richardson has tragically passed away a day after she announced she was quitting parliament next year to focus on her health
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has yet to offer his condolences to the family of Ms Richardson
The prime minister instead focused his attention of the upcoming plebiscite on marriage equality (pictured)
Yellow flowers are placed on the seat of Ms Richardson in Parliament House in Melbourne (pictured)
Staff paid their respects to Ms Richardson, wearing purple in her honour
Mr Turnbull also retweeted a comment from Minister for the Environment & Energy Josh Frydenberg criticising Victoria MP Daniel Andrews.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Turnbull for comment.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews were among several high-profile politicians to touch on the matter, with many offering their deepest condolences to her family.
‘It is my sad and solemn duty to confirm that Fiona Richardson has passed away at the age of 50’, he wrote.
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.
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.
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 victims. Thoughts with family, staff & all’, she shared.
Ms Batty told The Age Ms Richardson gave hope to those who have been victims of violence.
‘She not only gave victims a voice, but she gave them a voice in parliament and that was really such a unique thing,’ she said.
‘She gave them hope things could change. She reached the hearts of politicians from both sides of politics. But what she really set out to achieve, was to make them understand that victims need to be part of the solution, that their stories are essential, that they can help inform the government, lead reforms and change society and the world.’
Ms Batty described Ms Richardson as a ‘lovely, dynamic, fun and caring’ woman who loved to walk around her own office barefoot.
Bill Shorten led the tributes for Ms Richardson (pictured) after news of her death broke
Ms Richardson announced on Tuesday she was taking more time off after being diagnosed with multiple tumours, but she passed away on Wednesday night
2015 Australian of the Year and domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty touched on Richardson’s contributions to her career.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
‘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
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.