A large gathering of friends, colleagues and admirers filled St Andrew’s Cathedral today to farewell radio icon John Laws. The broadcaster, whose career spanned more than seven decades, passed away at age 90, leaving a legacy that many described as irreplaceable.
Among the many heartfelt speeches, Russell Crowe delivered a tribute rooted in personal memory and respect. “A long, long time ago, John asked me if I would speak at his funeral. I said yes and then he just kept on living… here we are,” he said with quiet humour. In reflecting on his first meeting with Laws he added: “The very first time that I met John, he gave me the impression that he believed in me. That is an undervalued gift – to instil confidence in others.”
Crowe also said that although the pair rarely agreed on much – “from bike lanes to politics” – what they did share was mutual respect and laughter. “However, we did agree that we liked each other’s company, and our different perspectives never stopped us from making each other laugh,” he said.
Beyond the anecdotes, Crowe painted Laws as a man of kindness and generosity: “He was my neighbour, my mischievous mate, my good friend, a very kind man.” He described kindness as a central strength in Laws’ life, saying “acts of kindness are proof of intelligence”.
The service celebrated not just a broadcaster, but a life lived fully. John Laws was described by many as someone who used his voice to give others a chance to speak, to challenge the powerful, and to connect with ordinary Australians. Crowe captured this: “To platform the voiceless and let them be heard … this was his forte.
Among the mourners were former Prime Minister John Howard, NSW Premier Chris Minns, media personalities including Marcia Hines and Richard Wilkins, and many others whose lives had been touched by Laws’ work. A notable musical moment came when singer-songwriter John Williamson performed his song True Blue in tribute to the man known as “Lawsie”.
As the service drew to a close, the sentiment was clear: this was a farewell to more than a voice on radio. It was a farewell to a companion in the daily lives of millions. Crowe’s closing note returned to Laws’ own ethos, urging kindness and connection as the measure of a meaningful legacy.
Images: ABC News
