Kym Richardson
| Kym Richardson | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Kingston |
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In office 9 October 2004 – 24 November 2007 |
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| Preceded by | David Cox |
| Succeeded by | Amanda Rishworth |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
16 March 1958 Adelaide, South Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Liberal Party of Australia |
| Occupation | Police officer |
Kym Charles Richardson (born 16 March 1958) is an Australian politician. He was a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives between 2004 and 2007, representing the South Australian electorate of Kingston.
Richardson joined the South Australia Police (SAPOL) at a young age, serving in the elite Star Force unit for thirteen years. Investigated for unethical behaviour while a police officer he was precluded from receiving the National Medal, but he did receive the Police Service Medal (a SAPOL award). Richardson shared his police career with a number of other activities, only resigning from the force upon entering federal parliament in 2004.
While actively involved in police duties, he also played Australian rules football for the West Torrens club, and spent several years coaching local teams. After retiring from football, he moved into sports management. His clients included international cricketer Jason Gillespie and football player Byron Pickett. While a police officer he was charged with six counts of promoting a pyramid marketing scheme. However no evidence was tendered in the case and all charges were dropped.
Richardson was a friend of former state MP Robert Brokenshire and was approached to stand as a Liberal candidate at the 1998 election, but declined for family reasons. In 2003 he was again approached, and this time accepted the offer to nominate for the seat of Kingston. There was some speculation that former Australian Football League player Nigel Smart was also being encouraged to nominate, but this did not eventuate. Richardson won preselection for the Kingston with broad factional support.
Kingston was held by the incumbent Australian Labor Party MP, Assistant Shadow Treasurer David Cox, by a narrow margin. Polling in the lead-up to the 2004 election suggested that Cox was likely hold the seat. Several commentators, including Antony Green, agreed with that conclusion. However, there was a swing to Richardson and the Liberal Party at the poll. After eleven days of counting Richardson overtook Cox on postal and absentee votes, eventually winning by 119 votes after preferences.
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