Former Federal opposition leader and Primary Industries Minister Simon Crean is being remembered with deep respect on all sides of politics following his passing yesterday in Germany aged 74.
Simon Crean addressing the Australian Wagyu Association conference in Adelaide in 2019.
Mr Crean served as the Member for Hotham in the Australian Parliament from 1990 until his retirement in 2013.
During his distinguished parliamentary career he served as leader of the Australian Labor Party and Federal Leader of the Opposition and held various ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, Minister for Trade and Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and the Arts.
Prior to joining politics, Mr Crean worked in several trade unions and was President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) from 1985 to 1990.
Mr Crean was elected Chairman of the Australian Livestock Exporters Council in October 2014 and was re-elected in 2016 and 2018, before stepping down in February 2020.
In a tribute released today the Australian Livestock Exporters Council observed that during his time as Trade Minister and Primary Industries Minister Mr Crean was responsible for a range of policies that still benefit the agriculture sector today, not in the least livestock exports.
ALEC noted he was a strident campaigner for free trade and sought to support industries to reach their potential, understanding the benefit this brought the country and the influence Australia could have on the global stage.
Saddened to read of Simon Crean’s passing. As a first-term Opposition backbencher in 2010, the advice & assistance this Labor luminary gave me was quite extraordinary. He offered help when our daughter moved to Melbourne. A wonderful human being, he was an MP who genuinely cared. pic.twitter.com/5VBYrrKQmU
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) June 25, 2023
“Mr Crean was a proud Australian and he was once again representing Australia’s interests on the world stage at the time of his passing.
“At the time of his initial election as ALEC Chair, Mr Crean said he felt he had an obligation to help the industry following the Gillard Government’s 2011 Live Cattle Ban. However, he not only wanted to help it get back on its feet, but to help continue on its growth path. He also wanted to see the industry continue its continuous improvement in animal welfare, something he oversaw and delivered with great enthusiasm.
“He took a keen interest in the individuals involved in the industry, encouraged their success and leadership. He was a wonderful people person and genuinely cared for the individuals he associated with.
Leadership is defined by the ability to guide or influence others. Simon was a leader of leaders, especially in his role with @AustLiveExports and supporting the thousands of rural people and families working in livestock export
Vale @SimonCrean_MPhttps://t.co/w0qlJKnIxq— The Livestock Collective (@livestock_the) June 25, 2023
“Mr Crean was a well-respected advocate not only in politics, but across a range of sectors including the arts, regional development, and agriculture – all of which he was a passionate advocate for. It is a true mark of the man that tributes are flowing from across the political spectrum and from diverse sectors. This speaks to Simon’s integrity, intellect and standing as a public figure.
“Despite all his incredible work and achievements, Mr Crean constantly spoke of the importance of family, and it was clear that this is what he cared about most and what he was proudest of. It is his family that are the focus of our thoughts today, as while Australia has lost an incredible leader, they have lost a loving husband and father.”
NFF President, Fiona Simson, described Mr Crean as “a remarkable man who commanded the respect of our industry”.
“Simon had notable involvement in agriculture, landcare and regional Australia, serving as the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy in the Australian Government from 1991 to 1996.
Simon Crean with David Littleproud in 2018.
“He played a significant role in shaping agricultural policies and was a strong advocate for agriculture, for farmers and for free trade, both during and after his political career.
“Simon actively supported the Landcare movement to encourage sustainable land management practices and championed the involvement of farmers and local communities.
“I’ve been honoured to have worked with him across a number of advisory positions and have always appreciated and respected his support for our industry and the people in it.
“Simon’s efforts have contributed to the advancement of agriculture and the promotion of sustainable development in Australia’s regional areas and for this, he leaves a legacy that will be remembered by farmers.”
Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group, said Mr Crean’s passing was a great loss to the Australian community.
“In his roles as a union leader, as a parliamentarian and minister, and as a policy advocate after he left political life, Mr Crean always acted with integrity and dignity.
“While he always held true to his values, Mr Crean was also always willing to work across the aisle with employers, industry leaders and his political opponents to secure outcomes in the national interest.
David Galvin and Simon Crean in 2019.
“His work with employers, unions and government to implement the Accords in the 1980s was a key influence in shaping the modern Australian economy.”
Mr Willox also noted that as Minister for Trade, Mr Crean worked hard to open the Australian economy to the world – work which continued after he left parliament with his leadership of the European Australian Business Council and the Australia-Korea Business Council.
“When it came to policy development, Mr Crean was stoic, determined and always interested. He innately understood that the best and lasting outcomes came when different interest groups worked together and compromised where possible.
“He worked closely with Australian Industry Group, our members and predecessor organisations over many years to resolve industrial disputes and on big picture policy proposals.
“It was a pleasure to see him most recently in April this year at a discussion on Australia-Europe trading relations ahead of him leading a trade delegation to Europe.
“On behalf of Australian industry, we thank him for his contribution to public life and the Australian community,” Mr Willox said.
Mr Crean was a decent politician who genuinely worked for the people whom he represented in his various portfolios. I am not sure too many of his successors will attract the same adulation from the public.
Simon Crean was the best Primary Industry Minister I can recall in my nearly 60 years as a producer
He always got down on the ground and mixed it with the little man and listened to what he had to say.
R.I.P. Simon Crean
It was a priviledge to not only have met this great man, but to have worked closely with Simon during our time on RMAC. He was a gentleman in the trueist form that gained upmost respect from people on both sides of politics, and so many more outside of politics. His love and commitment to agricuture was a blessing, particular for the Australian Meat and Livestock industries who benefited from his calmness, wisdom and valuable insights that he generously shared with us. Simon, you will be sadly missed. Best wishes to his family during this time.