Today, the Labor Party and the wider political community are mourning the loss of esteemed member, Simon Crean, who passed away at the age of 74. Throughout his life, Mr. Crean was a dedicated politician who served his constituents tirelessly and made an enormous contribution to the labor movement in Australia.
Mr. Crean began his political career as the Member of Parliament for Hotham in 1990, a position he held for an impressive 23 years until his retirement from politics in 2013. During his time in parliament, he was a staunch advocate for workers’ rights and played a key role in Labor’s push for fairer working conditions and increased employment opportunities for all Australians.
As a Cabinet Minister in the Hawke, Keating, and Rudd governments, Mr. Crean was responsible for a wide range of portfolios including trade, employment, and education. He was well known for his strategic thinking, his deft negotiation skills, and his unwavering commitment to public service.
In addition to his work in government, Mr. Crean was also a respected member of the Labor Party, serving as its National President from 2001 to 2003. He was a passionate supporter of party reform and was instrumental in developing policies that advanced the interests of working Australians.
Throughout his career, Mr. Crean earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues on both sides of the political divide. He was widely regarded as a progressive thinker who was unafraid to take bold action when needed. His legacy will be felt for many years to come, and his contributions to the labor movement in Australia will not be forgotten.