He lost his seat in 1947 and reclaimed it in 1949, but quit state politics two years later to stand at the 1951 federal election.

Crean spent the first 21 years of his career in federal politics in opposition, albeit as a frontbencher for most of that time.

He became Treasurer after the 1972 election, but economic uncertainty and factional considerations meant he was replaced by Jim Cairns after two years.

Crean held that position until the government's dismissal in 1975, and for its final six months was also deputy prime minister, replacing Cairns when he became embroiled in the Khemlani affair.

He graduated from the University of Melbourne with degrees in arts and commerce and a diploma in public administration, and became an accountant and tax consultant.

[1] His second son, Simon Crean, was the federal Labor leader from 2001 to 2003, and was a cabinet member of the Hawke, Keating, Rudd and Gillard governments.

He quit state politics in 1951, to stand for the safe Labor seat of Melbourne Ports in the House of Representatives.

In July 1975 Whitlam sacked Cairns over his involvement in the Loans Affair, and Crean was elected party Deputy Leader and Deputy Prime Minister in his place, defeating Kim Beazley Sr. 47 votes to 31, with Frank Stewart receiving 11 and Kep Enderby 4.