John Murphy (Lowe, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

It is with deep regret that I too note the passing of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Treasurer and Minister for Overseas Trade, the Hon. Frank Crean, MP. Being a party man to the end it is perhaps no coincidence that Frank Crean passed away on 2 December 2008, the 36th anniversary of the election of the Whitlam government.

There can be no doubt that Frank Crean was a genuine Labor legend. He was instrumental in transforming Labor into an election winning force following a long and frustrating period in opposition. We on this side of the House will never underestimate his contribution in building and rebuilding the party during some of its darkest days, culminating in his delivery in 1973 of the first Labor budget, following 23 long years in opposition. The honour of delivering that budget could not have been handed to a more dedicated and fiscally competent Treasurer. As Treasurer he faced very challenging international and domestic circumstances including a major oil shock, high inflation and rising unemployment.

Frank Crean was a fellow of the Australian Society of Accountants. He obtained a diploma in public administration, an honours degree in arts and a bachelor of commerce. He was an authority on income tax. His qualifications alone would ensure that he was one of the outstanding figures in the Labor Party and one of the leading thinkers on how Australia could become a just, effective and competitive country under a Labor government.

While the record will show that he had his disagreements with his cabinet colleagues, the record will also show he was very much respected. Frank Crean was a man with strong convictions. He was a man of passion. He was measured. He recognised that reform would only be achieved through cooperation and inclusion. Frank Crean’s considerable breadth of knowledge, depth of thinking and precision in application was not accompanied by a large ego. Indeed, as we all know, he was a truly humble man. Moreover, he was a man of quiet principle and, as many have noted, he was a very decent man.

Like the majority of members on both sides of this House, Frank Crean entered parliament with an unselfish commitment to public service. He lived through two world wars and a great depression. His inspiration to redress social injustices and inequalities was no doubt stimulated by his observations of unemployment and poverty in his youth. He dedicated 30 years to parliamentary life. He pursued fundamental Labor values. He was a loyal and faithful servant of our party, the parliament and the constituents he so well represented. Despite the cynicism that can often be attached to those in parliamentary life, Frank Crean was publicly recognised as someone who did much to reaffirm the value of public service. As the Prime Minister mentioned yesterday in this place, Frank Crean was ‘deeply admired, just as he was a deeply principled man’.

No one can ever doubt that he was motivated by the public interest and what was good for Australia. Those that served in this place with Frank Crean have spoken directly, personally and eloquently of his contribution. The member for Berowra has said:

He was an exemplar in the way in which he carried out his own role, but he encouraged people like me, even though I was of a different political persuasion.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser has described Frank Crean as ‘one of the most decent and honourable members of parliament I have ever known’. The Leader of the Opposition, the honourable Malcolm Turnbull, said yesterday:

In many ways it is in Frank Crean’s family that we find his greatest legacy.

There can be no doubt that both David and Simon Crean grew up in a political environment, an environment imbued with policy discussions and an environment focussed on positive change for the future. It is no surprise that both Simon and David have had distinguished political careers in their own right.

It is also no surprise that the unselfish values of their father have been passed on to them. I have worked very closely with Simon for many years, more recently as his Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, and observed Simon’s very considerable abilities, energy, diligence, fierce determination and devotion to faithfully serve our country—as many have said, ‘like father, like son’. Frank Crean’s intelligence, character, values and thorough decency burn brightly through Simon in this place today. Indeed Simon and David both provide us with a perpetual reminder of their father’s humility, modesty and dedication to public service.

On behalf of my wife, Adriana, and my staff, I extend my prayers and deepest sympathy to Mrs Mary Crean, her children, Simon and David, and their respective families. Just as they mourn the passing of a dedicated husband and father, we too mourn the passing of a dedicated Australian, a dedicated parliamentarian and a dedicated Labor Party member. May Frank Crean rest in peace.

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