Former Labor Leader Simon Crean Dies Aged 74

Former Labor leader and cabinet minister Simon Crean has died suddenly at age 74 while in Berlin. 

According to a statement from his family, Mr Crean is believed to have passed away on Sunday after completing his morning exercise. 

Mr Crean was in Berlin to attend an Industry delegation at the time of his death. 

The politician was head of the Australian Labor party between November 2001 until December 2003. 

Crean served under several Prime Ministers including Julia Gillard, Paul Keating, Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd. 

During his time, he fronted the opposition of the Iraq war in Australian Parliament and became president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. 

In statement to the public, Crean’s family said he was “a fierce advocate for working Australians and dedicated his life to making a difference,” and that “his greatest achievements were as father to Sarah and Emma and loving husband to Carole”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also shared his condolences in a public statement. 

“The common threads running through his long career were his courage and his principled action, qualities that came so powerfully to the fore when he opposed the Iraq war,” he said.

“History has vindicated Simon’s judgment, but at the time his stance was deeply counter to the prevailing political and media climate. Simon retained his abiding sense of humanity, and he was respected by all who had the privilege of working or interacting with him.”

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