Melbourne, 23 October 2024 – The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is urging Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to support a motion in the Legislative Council that seeks formal recognition of the genocides committed against Greek, Assyrian, and Armenian populations between 1915 and 1923. This appeal, led by GCM President Bill Papastergiadis, emphasizes the historical importance and humanitarian significance of acknowledging these past atrocities.
In a detailed letter to Premier Allan, Papastergiadis highlights the well-documented historical consensus regarding the genocides, which led to the deaths of an estimated three million people, mostly Christians of Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian descent. The letter underscores the support from various community groups and religious denominations across Victoria, urging the state government to join 34 other nations, including the United States, France, and Germany, that have already recognized these events as genocides.
The proposed motion, spearheaded by the Victorian Greens, represents an important step toward healing intergenerational trauma for the Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian communities in Victoria. Papastergiadis draws parallels to Victoria’s previous actions in recognizing and apologizing for injustices against Indigenous communities, suggesting that similar recognition could foster reconciliation and understanding among those affected by these historical events.
The GCM argues that endorsing the motion is not an anti-Turkish initiative, but rather a critical foundation for reconciling affected communities by acknowledging their shared histories and experiences of suffering. In a gesture of bipartisanship, the Liberal Party has indicated its willingness to support the motion if the Labor Party does as well, highlighting a potential cross-party consensus on the issue.
As the state prepares for the Legislative Council’s debate and vote, the outcome could position Victoria alongside other Australian states like New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania, which have previously recognized these genocides. The motion’s approval would be a landmark decision for many community members who have long awaited acknowledgment and justice.
Papastergiadis closes his appeal by expressing the readiness of Greek Community representatives to engage in further discussions with the Premier, underscoring the significance of this moment for the communities involved.
suffering and move toward a future of understanding as we have done with our indigenous communities.
The debate and vote on this motion will be a defining moment for those who have been waiting for recognition and justice, and the way members vote will not go unnoticed.
We hope that you will support the motion and should you feel it appropriate and necessary, I stand ready along with other representatives of the Greek Community to meet with you to discuss it.
Finally, it should be noted that I write this letter in my capacity as President and on behalf of the of the GCM and not in my capacity as a VMC commissioner.
Yours Sincerely,
Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne