Over the weekend, we lost a stalwart of Inner West Labor, with the sad passing of Kristine Cruden.

Kristine—or Kris, as she was known to everyone—was a dear friend, a mentor to many, and a formidable and passionate comrade. Kris served as mayor of Leichhardt from 1996 to 1999 and worked for many years as chief of staff to Anthony Albanese. She was the powerhouse and brains behind two Federal election campaigns for Anthony in Grayndler and gave priceless advice and support to many Labor candidates standing at all levels of government.

Kris was a committed trade unionist, having worked most recently in senior leadership roles at the Public Service Association.

Kris was deeply respected. She was funny. She cared deeply for the vulnerable. She was always there to support and nurture young people in the Australian Labor Party, especially young women. She never backed away from a fight and was tenacious when she believed in something or somebody.

Words cannot express the deep sense of loss we feel, as an Inner West Labor family, at her passing on the weekend following a battle with cancer.

I pass on my deepest love and condolences to her partner, Mark; her beloved daughter, Amy; and the many Labor comrades with heavy hearts this week who have very fond memories of Kris.