How did Simon Crean die? Former Australian Labor Party leader cause of death Explained

Simon Crean, a former cabinet minister and leader of Labour, passed away at the age of 74. Let’s see how did the politician die and his cause of death in detail.

How did Simon Crean die?

Crean, a former opposition leader, and ACTU president, passed away unexpectedly while overseas on June 25, 2023.

Who was Simon Crean?

Simon Findlay Crean was an Australian politician and trade unionist who was born on 26 February 1949. From 2001 to 2003, he served as both the opposition’s leader and the head of the Australian Labour Party (ALP).

He served as a cabinet member in the Hawke, Keating, Rudd, and Gillard governments while serving as the representative for Hotham in the House of Representatives from 1990 to 2013.

Crean was born in Melbourne, the son of Frank Crean, who served as Gough Whitlam’s deputy prime minister. He attended Monash University to study law and economics and was active in the labor movement from an early age, rising to the position of general secretary of the Storemen and Packers’ Union in 1979.

He was chosen to serve as the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) vice president in 1981 and in 1985.Crean was the leader of the Australian Labour Party from November 2001 to December 2003, a tough time for the party following its third federal election setback to John Howard. 

Prior to the 2004 federal election, Crean was replaced as leader of Labor’s opposition to the Iraq War. 

Crean served as a minister in Labour administrations led by Prime Ministers Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, and Julia Gillard, including serving as Trade Minister from 2007 to 2010. 

From 1985 to 1990, he served as the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ president. He was a member of parliament for Melbourne’s Hotham seat. 

Simon Crean cause of death:

Simon Crean, a former leader of the Labour Party, passed away unexpectedly in Germany after his morning exercise at the age of 74.  

Tributes flooded social media after his demise news broke out. Former colleagues have referred to him as a “giant of the Labour movement.” He worked in the Cabinets of the Hawke, Keating, Rudd, and Gillard administrations. 

Former political rivals have hailed Mr. Crean as a “giant of the Labour movement” and a person who improved and equitably distributed Australia. Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, said he will be sorely missed. 

Simon was survived by his wife, Carole, and their daughters, Sarah and Emma. 

Tributes to Simon Crean:

Ron Hoenig MP posted,

Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of former Labor leader Simon Crean this evening. A highly respected servant of the Australian people, he served as a Cabinet Minister in the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard governments. He was president of the ACTU before being elected to the Australian parliament in 1990 retiring in 2013.
As described by his family, to whom I extend my Deepest Sympathy; “Simon was a fierce advocate for working Australians and dedicated his life to making a difference.” Vale Simon Crean.

The True Believers posted,

Vale Simon Crean
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Simon Crean, a fine and decent man who led both the Australian Labor Party and the Union movement.
Simon will perhaps be best remembered for his courageous opposition to the Iraq War.
As Opposition Leader he even had the courage to see off the Australian soldiers departing for tours of duty, explaining his position and hoping they came home safely.
It was a show personal and political courage not often seen.
Deepest condolences to Simon’s family and many friends.

Tony Abbott posted,

Simon Crean was a very decent and capable man who gave our country, his party and the workers of Australia fine service.
He was one of those union leaders who understood that the boss had to make a profit if the worker was to have a job.
He never made the mistake of identifying the well-being of the country with his own personal advancement.
If he said something, you knew he believed it, and if he said he would do something, he tried hard to get it done.
He was a thoroughly admirable man and we are much the better for his life.

Scott Morrison (ScoMo) posted,

Very sad to learn about the passing of Hon Simon Crean. Simon was a great servant of Australia, one of the great Labor men of his generation, who always stood ready to answer his nation’s call, including his time serving on our drought relief agency. He served with great distinction as leader of the Trade Union movement, a Cabinet Minister and as Leader of the Opposition. Above all, he was just a thoroughly decent man who loved his family and cared about the future of his country. It was a privilege to known him. Jen and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Carole and his daughters Emma and Sarah. Thank you Simon.

Richard Marles MP posted,

Utterly shocked and saddened this evening. Simon Crean was a leader of our movement – always a source of wisdom. He was a generous and supportive friend and colleague over many years. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts are with Carole and all of his family.

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