Vale the Honourable Simon Crean
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham) is deeply saddened by the news of the sudden passing of the Honourable Simon Crean.
On behalf of all AustCham Korea Members, we send our sincere condolences to Simon’s family, friends and colleagues. Simon was Chairman of the Australia Korea Business Council (AKBC) and a close friend of the Chamber.
Simon’s length of service to our nation was extraordinary. He served eight terms as the Member for Hotham, and he was the only politician to hold a Ministerial post in the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard Governments. Simon led industrial relations reform in Australia and had the courage the oppose the deployment of troops in Iraq. He was the leader of the Opposition for three years.
After politics, Simon’s work in forging stronger bilateral trade relations in the Asia region continued. Simon had a strong passion for the Australia-Korea relationship, dedicating his time and expertise as AKBC Chairman for many years.
To John Walker, Deputy Chairman of the AKBC, Simon was a dear friend and colleague and John wishes to strongly acknowledge the tremendous contribution Simon made to the Australia-Korea business relationship.
The Chamber has had the honour of working closely with Simon over the years, hosting him several times in Korea. I was at an AKBC Board Meeting with Simon in Melbourne only just last week and it is hard to believe he has now left us.
Simon Crean will be remembered as someone with an incredible intellect and a quick wit, personable and kind. He dedicated his life to the people of Australia and for that, we are grateful.
Sincerely,
Ross Gregory
Chair
Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea
