A Who’s Who of Australia’s political elite bid farewell to Labor minister Simon Crean at his state funeral in Melbourne.
The former Labor leader died aged 74 while traveling across Europe for trade and business meetings. He was hiking in Germany and is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who turned to Mr Crean for advice early in his career, arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne along with his partner Jodie Haydon before the start of the service at 11am.
Mr Albanese delivered a moving tribute to Mr Crean at the start of the service, describing him as a ‘beloved son of the Labor Party whose personal qualities earned him a respect that knew no political bounds’.
“He was a great Australian who served his country and his community with humility and compassion, integrity and intellect,” he said.
“Simon embodies much of what really matters at the heart of the Labor Party: above all, a sense of justice. It was his guiding star.
Mr. Albanese said Mr. Crean “greeted the world with crinkle-eyed genius, a man of boundless generosity…as fierce and as brilliant as a lightning strike.”
A Who’s Who of Australia’s political elite bid farewell to long-time Labor Minister Simon Crean at his state funeral in Melbourne.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who turned to Mr Crean for advice early in his career, arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne along with his partner Jodie Haydon before the start of the service at 11am.
Mr Albanese delivered a moving tribute to Mr Crean at the start of the service, describing him as a “beloved son of the Labor Party”.
A who’s who of Australia’s political elite arrived in Melbourne for Simon Crean’s state funeral
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared a tribute to Mr. Crean, writing, ‘Okay Simon Crean. A great servant of the labor movement and a wonderful human being’
Mr. Crean has been fondly remembered by politicians on all sides of the aisle and for his principled stand against the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
During Crean’s illustrious political career, he held the Victorian Federal Seat of Hotham between 1990 and 2013.
He was Leader of the Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2003, when John Howard was Prime Minister.
He held various cabinet posts in the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard governments and was Chairman of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
His father, Frank, served as Deputy Prime Minister under Gough Whitlam.
Crean’s brother paid a tearful tribute at the funeral after the prime minister, recalling a visit to parliament when they were just children and being “bitten on the toe by a two-year-old Kim Beazley”.
“This is going to be difficult for me emotionally,” he said. ‘With all our precious memories…Simon, as a teenager, was a bit of a rebel. Not much… but a little rebellious.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, has returned to Australia to attend state service.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley were also in attendance.
Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews (right) greets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Victorian Prime Minister Dan Andrews arrived with his partner Catherine
The coffin is seen before Simon Crean’s state funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne.
The coffin is seen before Simon Crean’s state funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne.
Politicians and media figures have posted tributes to the Labor Party heavyweight (Mr Crean pictured with his wife, Carole, in 2009)
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers (centre) arrives for the state funeral of Simon Crean
Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg (right) arrives for Simon Crean’s state funeral at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Peter Dutton was unable to attend but previously said: ‘I have always admired Simon for his intellect and decency and only recently saw him in Melbourne.
“Simon was a gentleman to deal with and a giant of the Labor movement.”
A spokesperson for Mr Crean’s family said in a statement after his death: “The Crean family is devastated to announce the passing of the Hon. Simon Crean this morning in Berlin, Germany.
‘Simon was a fervent supporter of Australian workers and dedicated his life to making a difference.’
“Though his greatest accomplishments were as a father to Sarah and Emma and a loving husband to Carole. They were married for more than 50 years.
‘Son of former Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Frank Crean and Mary Crean, and much loved brother of the Hon. Dr. David Crean and the late Stephen Crean.
Simon died suddenly after his morning exercise. He was in Berlin as part of an industry delegation.
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (right) arrives from his posting in the United States
Former Victorian Premier Ted Bailleu (left) and Victorian MP Ben Carroll arrive at the state funeral
Solomon Lew (left) arrives at the state funeral
Australian Employment Minister Tony Burke arrives for the state funeral of Simon Crean
Mr Crean was the Leader of the Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2003, when John Howard was Prime Minister.
Former Labor leader Simon Crean (pictured) has died aged 74 while visiting Europe for business and trade meetings.
