SIMON CREAN

The loss of Simon Crean is a loss for all of Australia.

From his work with the trade union movement through to his substantial contribution to Parliament – Simon made an enormous difference.

As part of the Storeman and Packers Union, and later President of the ACTU, Simon had a long history of fighting for a better deal for Australian workers.

Serving under four prime ministers and as Opposition Leader he also left a significant Parliamentary legacy.

On a more personal note – in almost every portfolio I've had, Simon Crean had been there before me.

Simon always left a strong positive legacy, whether it was across agriculture, employment and workplace relations or the arts.

As Primary Industries Minister under Bob Hawke Simon was a driving force behind drought policy in this country.

Simon was Employment Minister under Paul Keating – a role he regained briefly alongside Workplace Relations under Julia Gillard.

He went on to be Arts Minister, under Julia Gillard, launching Australia’s second ever National Cultural Policy – Creative Australia.

As Arts Minister Simon took the first steps for Australia in backing the computer games industry in Australia, backing live music and the reform and the enlargement of the Australia Council.

Ten years on from Creative Australia I launched Revive – which builds on the foundations of what Simon created.

It meant the world that Simon came to the launch of Revive at the Espy hotel in Melbourne, earlier this year.

His work, support and care will be missed.

My thoughts are with his wife Carole, his family and his many friends at this difficult time.

ENDS