[3] In 1864, Richardson and his brother were involved in the formation of the Portland Squatting Co., which sought to exploit liberal land regulations in other colonies.

They sailed to Western Australia the following year with 1,600 sheep, arriving in Cossack and later venturing further in the Pilbara, where they established Pyramid Station.

After a few years, Richardson and his brother bought out their other partners, and expanded their holdings to include runs along the Fortescue River.

[4] Richardson was re-elected to De Grey unopposed at the 1894 election, and later in the year was appointed Commissioner for Crown Lands in the Forrest ministry, replacing William Marmion.

[1] As lands commissioner, he saw several important pieces of legislation through parliament and played a key part in the establishment of the Agricultural Bank of Western Australia.