This morning, we lost a giant of Australia and a Leviathan of the Labor movement.

 

Our light on the hill dims darker with this sad news.

 

Tom Uren spent his long life protecting the working class and fighting for social justice.

 

On a day when we celebrate the best of Australia, we can proudly say that Tom really was the best of us.

 

Tom saw the worst of war and fought to build the best of civilisation after that war – as a unionist, a civil libertarian and a Labor Minister.

 

His reimagining and reconfiguring of inner Sydney, a great book, a lifetime of working class, social democratic values and a humble civility are among his enduring monuments.

 

Tom was the keeper of Labor’s conscience in trying times. He was our moral centre.

 

He was a prisoner of war, but he only ever pursued peace.

 

He knew hardship, but he never succumbed to hatred.

 

The late Neville Wran told us that Balmain boys don’t cry, but many will shed a tear today – for Tom and for what we’ve lost.

 

Our thoughts today with his family.

 

May Tom rest in peace, and may we continue to learn from his peerless example.

 

MONDAY, 26 JANUARY 2015

 

MEDIA CONTACT: RYAN LIDDELL 0427 225 763