Prior to joining the Storeman and Packers Union (SPU) as an official, Simon Crean held a variety of positions within other trade unions following his graduation from Monash University.
He ran for ALP preselection in 1977 at the age of 28 to succeed his father in the Melbourne Ports constituency, a historically safe Labor seat. But former ALP state leader Clyde Holding defeated him, garnering 36 votes to Crean’s 34 on the preselection ballot.
When Crean was chosen as the SPU’s general secretary in 1979, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) gave him a seat on its board.
He eventually won the 1985 election for ACTU President after moving up even further to become the ACTU Vice President in 1981.
As ACTU President, Crean was instrumental in helping the government of Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who was also a former ACTU president, negotiate a number of agreements on wages and other industrial issues as part of the Prices and Incomes Accord.
Additionally, Crean had positions on the boards of Qantas from 1987 to 1990 and the Australian Industry Development Corporation from 1988 to 1990 while serving as president of the ACTU.
Simon Crean wife: Meet Carole Crean?
At the time of his passing, Simon Crean was wed to Carole Crean. Since 1973, the two have been married. Carole Crean lives a very private life hence not much is known about her. Our research team is doing its best to keep you informed.