Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to radio icon John Laws, calling him “a legend” and “an authentic voice of Australians” following the broadcaster’s death at age 90.
“He was a legend, of course,” Albanese said KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie O Show this morning.
“I had many conversations with him over the last four decads, and back to before I was in Parliament. He was fantastic company off air as well – someone who was an authentic voice of Australians.
He was a patriot. He loved Australia. He talked Australia up, and that’s why people trusted him. They respected him. They followed stations with him when he changed channel. He was on top for such a long period of time – a great voice, of course, as well.”
The golden voice of Australian radio
Australian radio lost one of its most enduring figures with the death of Laws.
His death comes almost a year to the day since his final broadcast on 2SM, marking the close of a seven-decade career that helped define the medium.
Known as “Golden Tonsils” for his distinctive, velvety delivery, Laws’ voice became part of the national soundtrack – a mix of conversation, conviction, and connection that made him one of the country’s most trusted broadcasters.
A life behind the mic
Laws’ career began in 1953 at Bendigo’s 3BO, before moving to Sydney’s 2UE in 1957.
He was among the first Australian DJs to spin rock ’n’ roll records on air, before shifting into talkback – a format he would come to dominate for decades at both 2UE and 2GB.
His ability to blend warmth, authority, and opinion saw him command enormous influence – and become one of the highest-paid personalities in Australian media.
After stepping away from radio in 2007, Laws returned four years later to 2SM and the Super Radio Network, re-establishing the connection that had defined his professional life.
A career and love story
Married to his wife Caroline for more than 40 years, Laws affectionately referred to her as his “princess.” The pair were a fixture on Sydney’s social and charity circuit, and he often credited her as his greatest support.
When he signed off for the final time in October 2023, Laws told his listeners the decision to retire after 71 years behind the microphone was “bittersweet.”
“It’s hard to comprehend the outpouring of love and support,” he said. “I’ve been so lucky to share the airwaves with Australians for so long.”
John Laws’ passing marks the end of an era in Australian radio – a voice that informed, entertained and, above all, reflected the country he loved.