"The sudden passing of the former ALP leader and ACTU President Simon Crean in Germany last night is a great loss to the Australian community," Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group said today.
"In his roles as a union leader, as a parliamentarian and minister, and as a policy advocate after he left political life, Mr Crean always acted with integrity and dignity.
"While he always held true to his values, Mr Crean was also always willing to work across the aisle with employers, industry leaders and his political opponents to secure outcomes in the national interest.
"His work with employers, unions and government to implement the Accords in the 1980s was a key influence in shaping the modern Australian economy.
"As Labor leader in Parliament, he held true to his convictions, often at significant personal cost. He served in a range of portfolios from education to energy, all of which were vital to the fortunes of the Australian economy.
"As Minister for Trade he worked hard to open the Australian economy to the world – work which continued after he left parliament with his leadership of the European Australian Business Council and the Australia-Korea Business Council.
"When it came to policy development, Mr Crean was stoic, determined and always interested. He innately understood that the best and lasting outcomes came when different interest groups worked together and compromised where possible.
"He worked closely with Australian Industry Group, our members and predecessor organisations over many years to resolve industrial disputes and on big picture policy proposals.
"It was a pleasure to see him most recently in April this year at a discussion on Australia-Europe trading relations ahead of him leading a trade delegation to Europe.
"On behalf of Australian industry, we thank him for his contribution to public life and the Australian community," Mr Willox said.
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