Simon Crean’s state funeral: Who’s Who of Australian political elite gather including Anthony Albanese, Jodie Haydon and Daniel Andrews

A Who’s Who of Australia’s political elite has said goodbye to former Labor Secretary Simon Crean at his state funeral in Melbourne – where his wife revealed he had two wishes for Australia – a vote for parliament and the country signing a free trade agreement.

The former Labor leader died aged 74 while traveling across Europe for business and trade meetings. He was hiking in Germany and allegedly had a heart attack.

Carole Crean gave a heartfelt, tearful dedication to her late husband, revealing that he would have supported a yes vote in the upcoming Voice to Parliament referendum.

If he could be asked one last question, what would you wish for Australia? he would say that the free trade agreement (with Europe) has been agreed and signed, and that Australians are supporting the Voice as a positive step for all,” she said.

We will all miss his happy smile, his cheeky eyes, his sense of fun and playfulness. He left a huge hole in our lives, but also a huge legacy.’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who turned to Mr Crean for advice early in his career, arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne with his partner Jodie Haydon before the 11am service started.

Mr Albanese paid a moving tribute to Mr Crean at the start of the service, describing him as a ‘beloved son of the Labor Party whose personal qualities won him respect beyond political bounds’.

“He was a wonderful Australian who served his country and his community with humility and compassion, integrity and intellect,” he said.

‘Simon embodies so much of what really matters at the heart of the Labor Party – above all, a sense of justice. It was his guiding star.’

Mr. Albanese said that Mr. Crean “has greeted the world with a frowning geniality, a man of boundless generosity … as fierce and bright as a bolt of lightning.”

Mr Crean is fondly remembered by politicians on all sides and for his principled stance against the 2003 US invasion of Iraq.

During Mr Crean’s illustrious political career, he held the Victorian federal seat of Hotham between 1990 and 2013.

He was the Leader of the Labor Party and the Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2003 when John Howard was Prime Minister.

He held a number of cabinet positions under the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard governments and chaired the Australian Council of Trade Unions.

His father, Frank, served as Deputy Prime Minister under Gough Whitlam.

Mr Crean’s brother paid a tearful tribute at the funeral after the Prime Minister, recalling a visit to Parliament when they were just children and being ‘bitten on the toe by a two-year-old Kim Beazley’.

“This is going to be emotionally difficult for me,” he said. “With all our fond memories… Simon was a bit of a rebel as a teenager. Not much… just a little rebellious.”

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Australia’s ambassador to the United States, returned to Australia to attend state service.

Victorian Prime Minister Dan Andrews and Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also attended.

Peter Dutton was unable to attend but rather said: ‘I have always admired Simon for his intellect and decency and have only recently seen him in Melbourne.

“Simon was a gentleman to deal with and a giant of the labor movement.”

A spokesman for Mr Crean’s family said in a statement following his death: ‘The Crean family are devastated to announce the passing of the Hon. Simon Crean this morning in Berlin, Germany.”

“Simon was a fierce advocate for working Australians and devoted his life to making a difference.”

Though his greatest achievements were as a father to Sarah and Emma and loving husband to Carole. They were married for more than 50 years.’

‘Son of former Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Frank Crean and Mary Crean, and dearly beloved brother of the Hon. Dr. David Crean and the late Stephen Crean.

Simon died suddenly after his morning exercise. He was in Berlin as part of an industry delegation.’