The regions Labor leaders are paying tribute to their former colleague Simon Crean who died unexpectedly aged 74 on Sunday.
The former ACTU President and opposition leader was travelling in Germany at the time.
Corio MP Richard Marles said he was shocked and saddened to learn of his friend’s passing.
“He still felt very young and vital actually, and it’s hard to believe that Simon Crean is now gone,” Mr Marles said.
“He was somebody a lot of us looked to for wisdom and mentorship, he will be greatly missed.”
Mr Marles says history has vindicated his former colleague for his opposition to the Iraq war, and his parliamentary address on the issue when US President George Bush was present during a visit to Australia.
“That took great courage as opposition leader at that time to oppose Australia’s participation in the Iraq war, I think history has been on his side,” Mr Marles said.
Corangamite MP Libby Coker used social media to echo her colleagues sentiments.
“He was a courageous leader, a man of vision and a great human being,” she said.
Image: Former ACTU President and Labor leader Simon Crean (Facebook/Richard Marles).
