Simon Crean’s first office was in the heart of Oakleigh – Greek Melbourne – he was our representative Simon’s lifelong bond with and affection for the Australian Greek community did not begin with his election to the seat of Hotham in the Federal Parliament in 1990. That connection was formed much earlier. It can be traced back to his days growing up and attending school at Middle Park Primary. Simon’s father Frank Crean Snr was a Victorian member of parliament, and later a federal member, representing Albert Park, South Melbourne, and Port Melbourne. Greek Victorians know this as the area where so many migrants first lived, set up home, raised a family, sent their kids to local schools, and got involved in the community.
Back then, if you wanted to see your member of parliament, there weren’t offices as such, and appointments were often made the MP’s family home. Simon’s mum Mary was effectively the office manager (she was much more) and Frank would take the meetings with constituents and community leaders. So many of those locals who came to the Crean family home were Greek and attended school with Greek kids, Simon immersed himself in the culture. The Crean family were so committed to the migrants and preserving their culture, that for 26 years Frank was the Chairman of the New Hope Migrant and Refugee Centre – an organisation that assisted countless Greek and other migrants in Victoria.
Simon’s representation of Greek Victorians didn’t start in 1990, it began in the early 1970’s when he headed the Storeman and Packers Union, whose membership included a significant number of migrant workers- especially Greeks. Supporting workers’ pay and conditions – a core Labor value – was always a part of Simon. It was important in the sector he represented, where newly arrived migrants with limited English, needed help to ensure they could support their families and establish a a life in their new country. In later years, older Greeks would recount to him the support they received from their union and what it meant to them and their family.
When Simon was elected in 1990 to represent Hotham, including Oakleigh and surrounds, it was a natural fit. We had a member of parliament that would champion the local Greek community and one that understood Greeks, knew their journey, and encouraged their aspirations. He had a passion for the Greek community. His worked to get funding for Oakleigh Grammar and the Bentleigh Greens and many other grants for local Greek organisations.
He almost always had a staff member in his office who could speak Greek, he knew how important it was to connect and assist those who had limited English. He was a regular at Greek community groups and Simon’s local election campaigns were often launched at Black Swan Dips in Clayton, with Bob Hawke and Julia Gillard. He would have his school awards nights, Christmas functions and other significant events at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Clayton South.
Simon never just talked to you, he talked with you, he listened to you, he took notes and wanted to know your story. He also remembered people as evidenced when he in Eaton Mall, and the time was spent fielding handshakes, hugs, kisses, and back slaps from all the local Greeks. He was respected, and the respect was mutual. He had a special connection with people and embraced migrants had contributed so much to Australia.
It wasn’t just in our community that Simon reaped that respect, it was across Australia, and the world. That is evidenced by all the condolence messages in recent days from businesses, unions, politicians of all persuasions, community groups and individuals. Simon worked with people, no matter their background, or their politics. He was a reformer, and wanted to deliver outcomes that would benefit everyone and that he succeeded in. Simon made his mark, in every ministerial position, employment, primary industries, science, trade and more. He served in cabinet under four Labor prime ministers, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, and Julia Gillard. No matter what challenges, Simon was across the detail and worked to find solutions. He brought people together to make change happen.
One of the many significant things that Simon is being remembered for was his leadership in opposing the Iraq War that was pursued by the United States, and the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ but without United Nations approval. It was courageous for Simon to stand on the deck of the HMAS Kanimbla and tell the troops he supported them but did not believe they should be going to war, but for Simon it would have been more courageous not to be honest. He knew what was right – to do anything else would have been to toss away his values – he would never do. He was not afraid to make his opposition to the war clear to President George W. Bush when he visited parliament. He was calm, careful, and diplomatic. Both were defining speeches in our modern history. Leadership in action. Of course, has shown that he was right.
Simon never did get to contest an election as Leader of the Labor Party, yet I firmly believe that he would have been a worthy, capable, and successful prime minister. I say that not just as a former employee and friend, but as an observer of people and politics. Often politicians come and go but some are the real deal. Genuine, with vision and integrity. Always trying to encourage and see the best in people. To change Australia for the better. Simon was one of those people. And yet, despite that disappointment, it was a momentary pause for Simon. Immediately he looked forward, engaged in the next challenge to make change. That’s not just commitment to do good – that’s strength. Again, that’s leadership.
Personally, both Nick Staikos and I had the privilege of working for Simon when he was as Member for Hotham. Any success we have had is in large part due to his support and guidance. He backed us when we ran for council and then for parliament, he encouraged, nurtured, and delivered so much wisdom. That didn’t stop when we moved on from his office either. We were still part of the team, still in contact and seeking advice. So many others in our area of Melbourne including Councillors and Mayors Steve Staikos, Arthur Athanasopoulos and Paul Klisaris benefited from his stanch backing.
In my first election in 2014, my mum turned up at the polling booth in Hughesdale, on election day to hand out How to Vote Cards – and there was Simon supporting me. Simon saw my mother, gave her a kiss and said, “Let’s do it for our boy”. It was never about him – it was about the community and the nation.
He had solid values, great virtues, utmost integrity, a phenomenal work ethic, a big intellect, and spades of courage. He was cheeky, humble, and inquisitive. You became an extended part of his family and he yours. I will forever be grateful for the warmth, the love, the loyalty and the support of Carole, Sarah and Emma and the late Mary and Frank Crean, his parents. I believe that I am a better person and more capable because of his mentorship.
Simon was among the best people I have ever met, and Australia is a better country because of his work and his humanity. He was as we say in Greek an ἄνθρωπος, anthropos, a real human being.
We will miss him terribly.
Steve Dimopoulos MP is the State Member of Parliament for the Oakleigh District and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries in the Victorian Government.