John Laws state funeral: Premier Chris Minns confirms date after family accept offer to honour radio legend
Iconic Australian radio broadcaster John Laws, the man with the golden tonsils who dominated the airwaves for years, will be honoured with a state funeral, NSW Premier Chris Minns has confirmed.
The radio legend’s family accepted the offer from the NSW Premier, with Laws’ funeral to be held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney on November 19.
Laws passed away aged 90 at his Woolloomooloo Bay home on Sunday, sparking an astounding outpouring of tributes from Australian politicians, entertainers and industry figures.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Laws was a towering figure in Australian radio whose voice resonated across the nation,” Mr Minns said.
“John’s career was extraordinary. Few broadcasters have left such a deep and lasting mark on Australian media.
“Beginning in 1953 at Bendigo’s 3BO and later becoming a household name on Sydney stations such as 2UE and 2SM, his distinctive tone earned him the affectionate title ‘Golden Tonsils’.”
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I extend my deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who listened, learned and were challenged by him.
“His legacy lies not only in the thousands of hours on air, but in the connection he forged with millions of Australians.”
After Laws’ death was confirmed, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remembered the broadcaster for his professionalism and his understanding of Australians, both in capital cities and regional areas.
“John Laws was an iconic Australian,” Mr Albanese said at a press conference on Monday.
“His voice resonated throughout our nation. People trusted John Laws, they listened to John Laws, and they engaged with John Laws.
“He was a permanent feature of our media landscape. And those golden tonsils leaning into that golden microphone was something that Australians felt was a part of their everyday experience for not just years, but for decades.
“John Laws’ relationship, of course with Caroline, that he spoke about on a day-to-day basis was something that we all felt like we knew that relationship, which was indeed wonderful.
“John Laws was also someone who was great company off air.
“I enjoyed quite a few lunches with John Laws and he was always engaging someone who had a real insight into the Australian character, both in our cities but also importantly in the bush.
“He was someone who is particularly attracted towards people in regional Australia and they warmed to him as well.”
The NSW Premier’s officer confirmed more details about Laws’ funeral will be shared in the coming days.
