SYDNEY: Labor’s State Member for Smithfield Ninos Khoshaba MP was host to a pre-election meeting with the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) at his electoral office to address Armenian-Australians issues.

Khoshaba, who is the first NSW Member of Parliament of Assyrian descent, addressed the State Parliament regarding the Armenian and Assyrian Genocides in a 2009 private member's statement. In recent times, he also generously offered support and guidance to local Armenian community and scouting initiatives.

At the meeting, Khoshaba reaffirmed his commitment to support Armenian-Australians.

He said: "The Armenian-Australians of Western Sydney play an integral role in the fabric of Australian society and I pledge to continue addressing their concerns with my parliamentary colleagues."

ANC Australia Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian thanked the Member for Strathfield.

He said: “Mr Khoshaba has been a leading voice for Armenians in Sydney's West and has consistently provided ANC Australia with sound advice, guidance and support.”

“We will continue to exchange ideas with Mr Khoshaba and look forward to continue working with him in the future.”

During the meeting, Khoshaba was presented with a book entitled Genocide Perspectives II; a publication of the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies which includes a series of essays describing the events of 1915.