Who's Who of Australian politics gather to mourn Simon Crean

A Who's Who of Australia's political elite has farewelled long-time Labor minister Simon Crean at his state funeral in Melbourne.

The former Labor leader died aged 74 while travelling in Europe for business and trade meetings. He was hiking in Germany and is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who turned to Mr Crean for advice early in his career, arrived at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne alongside his partner Jodie Haydon prior to the 11am start of the service.

Mr Albanese delivered a moving tribute to Mr Crean at the beginning of the service, describing him as a 'beloved son of the Labor party whose personal qualities earned him respect that knew no political bounds'.

'He was a great Australian who served his country and his community with humility and compassion, integrity and intellect,' he said.

'Simon embodies so much of what truly matters at the heart of the Labor party - above all a sense of fairness. It was his guiding star.' 

Mr Albanese said Mr Crean 'greeted the world with a crinkle eyed geniality, a man of boundless generosity... a...
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