The City of Casey Panel of Administrators, Chair Noelene Duff, Cameron Boardman and Miguel Belmar and Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Patterson, have issued the following tribute to Simon Crean on his passing. Simon has been a long serving Independent Board Director of the South East Melbourne Group of Councils (GSEM), of which the City of Casey is part of.
“Simon demonstrated an impressive commitment to public service. His service to the community and strong work ethic continued after he left Parliament.
“Simon’s work at GSEM continued his life-long commitment to ensuring people had access to developing their skills so they could enjoy well-paid and secure jobs.
“He was a fierce advocate for structural reform, always pushing to improve the governance and mechanisms that underpinned state and federal government jobs and skills policy.
“No matter the task, when help was needed, Simon was always the first to put up his hand to do whatever he could to assist. He was purely motivated by wanting to improve people’s lifestyles and to contribute to better economic and social outcomes, all driven by his desire to create a fairer and more prosperous society.
“Simon was deeply engaged across many policy areas that included the arts, indigenous communities, infrastructure, higher education and renewable energy - always believing we could do more and do better. In all areas of public policy Simon always had the courage of his convictions, consistently demonstrating his intelligence, insight, vision and authenticity.
“With Casey, he was highly engaged with issues of growth management and higher education including the Berwick Health and Education Precinct through his role on the Monash University Council.
“A thoroughly decent human being, Simon related to people at all levels in all walks of life. He was naturally interested in people - their interests, experiences and their welfare.
“Simon will be sorely missed by the greater south east Melbourne community where he served across multiple roles since he was first elected as the Member for Hotham in 1993.
“Our deepest condolences to Simon’s wife Carole, his daughters Sarah and Emma and their families.”