Statement on the death of the Hon Simon Crean

I have just learned the very sad news of the death of my friend and colleague, the Honourable Simon Crean.  Simon has been taken from us far too early. 

He gave so much to Australia during his public career as President of the ACTU, as a Cabinet Minister in multiple portfolios across many governments, and as Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party. Simon had also continued to give to his country and his community over the ensuing decade of his post-political career.

Above all else, Simon was a kind man, a generous and compassionate soul and a devoted son, husband and father who loved his family deeply. I saw this so many times when visiting his family home in Melbourne.

Simon was also kind to me as a newly-elected member of parliament. He appointed me as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2001 when he became Leader although he didn’t need to. He was critical to my own career in our national political life, for which I thank him.

Simon served as an outstanding Minister for Trade in my own government. He was tireless in his efforts to save the Doha Round and the WTO. I remember multiple midnight calls from Simon in the midst of tense and difficult negotiations in Geneva as he fought valiantly alongside his colleagues from the US, EU and Cairns Group to bring the Round back from the brink. Australia could have had no better advocate in our international negotiations than Simon Crean.

Simon grew up in the rough and tumble of Australian politics. He was immensely proud of his mum and dad, Frank and Mary, and Frank’s critical contribution to the Whitlam Cabinet. He loved his brothers Stephen and David. Therese and I extend our deepest condolences to Simon’s wife Carole and their two children.

We are all the poorer for Simon’s passing. We have lost a truly great Australian.