Simon Crean
Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (10:05): I too rise to say a few words about Simon Crean. Simon was a beloved son of the Australian Labor Party, but he was also a beloved son of the Australian union movement. My contribution on Simon’s life is as a former leader of the National Union of Workers, the created and amalgamated union of the Federated Storemen and Packers, now called the United Workers Union. Crean was the assistant general secretary, then general secretary, of the Federated Storemen and Packers’ Union from 1976 to 85. During this time he was junior vice-president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions as well as its senior vice-president at that time. He later went on to become the ACTU president from 1985 to 1990. While ACTU president, he played a key role in negotiating the prices and the income accord with the Hawke–Keating Labor government. He facilitated and introduced some incredible reforms in this country. He facilitated and introduced worker-led initiatives, including the establishment of universal superannuation, new welfare payments, improved skill and employment pathways and improved childcare and health and safety standards. Simon was still passionate about all of these things until the time he passed. Much has been said about his vision and his values. He was very generous with his time, and he was a true giant of the labour movement. Rest in peace, Simon.