Radio titan John Laws farewelled at state funeral at Sydney cathedral
John Laws, Australia’s iconic broadcaster often called the "golden tonsils," was honoured with a state funeral at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney’s CBD. Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay tribute to his remarkable 71-year contribution to Australian talkback radio.
The service was marked by a theme of kindness, reflecting Laws’s famous sign-off: "you be kind to each other." Family, friends, colleagues, politicians, and admirers filled the cathedral to celebrate his life following his passing in November at age 90.
Among the attendees were NSW Premier Chris Minns, former prime minister John Howard, actor Russell Crowe, broadcaster Ben Fordham, television presenter Richard Wilkins, and politician Barnaby Joyce. Their presence underscored Laws’s widespread influence across media and politics.
Born Richard John Sinclair Laws in August 1935, he started in radio in Bendigo in the early 1950s. He transitioned to talkback during the 1960s and moved between Sydney stations 2UE, 2UW, and 2GB amid competitive bidding. The bulk of his career was spent at 2UE and 2SM before retiring nearly a year before his death.
A close friend of 55 years, Paul Warren, delivered the first eulogy. He described Laws as a broadcaster who “entertained, challenged, and inspired” and shaped public opinion in Australia. Warren reflected on Laws’s uniquely independent spirit and personal warmth.
Actor Russell Crowe gave a heartfelt second eulogy. Crowe recalled Laws asking him to speak years prior and praised his kindness as a form of wisdom and strength. He called Laws “a very kind man” and highlighted the broadcaster’s enduring mantra of kindness.
Country singer John Williamson performed his classic "True Blue," honoring a promise made to Laws. Williamson described it as a “great honour” to perform at the funeral, emphasizing the deep respect Laws commanded in the Australian cultural landscape.
Mourners also shared personal memories. Justin Piper, son of Laws’s longtime chauffeur Warren Piper, recalled Laws’s generosity in helping his family. Others described him as a gentleman and a man who empathized with everyday people.
The farewell at St Andrew’s Cathedral highlighted the breadth of John Laws’s impact and the affection in which he was held. His legacy as a broadcasting giant and a kind-hearted individual resonated clearly throughout the service.
Read more at: www.abc.net.au