# Vale Richard Morecroft

Date: 7 Oct 2026
Released by: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

## MediaRelease.co Summary

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Richard Morecroft, the former ABC newsreader, after his death. Albanese described him as a trusted and familiar presence in Australian life who loved the arts and the natural environment, recalling that he once kept a baby flying fox under his desk while presenting the news. He offered condolences to Morecroft's partner, Alison Mackay.

## Original release

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Richard Morecroft. As the face and the voice of the news of the ABC, Richard became a beloved part of Australian life. Combining a consummate professionalism with an unyielding humanity, Richard was a figure of absolute trust, a warm and familiar presence who guided us through the good times and bad. He loved the arts and was deeply passionate about our natural environment. Nothing completed the picture so delightfully as the time we learned that he used to keep a baby flying fox safe and sound beneath the desk while he was presenting the news. Richard was a great Australian and we were lucky to have him as part of our lives. Our thoughts now are with his partner Alison Mackay. May Richard Morecroft rest in peace.

## Key details

- Issued by: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
- Published: 7 Oct 2026
- Publisher country: Australia
- Subject country/region: National (Australia)
- Original source: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/vale-richard-morecroft
- MediaRelease.co URL: https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01430-vale-richard-morecroft-07102026.html

Original source: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/vale-richard-morecroft
MediaRelease.co canonical URL: https://mediarelease.co/au/mr01430-vale-richard-morecroft-07102026.html