Armenian National Committee of Australia Congratulates Premier-Elect Chris Minns and Reflects on 2023 NSW Elections
By ANC-AU | Thursday, 13 April 2023
SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) has congratulated Premier-elect, the Hon. Chris Minns on his election as the 48th Premier of New South Wales and all victors who will form part of the 58th Parliament of New South Wales.ANC-AU has also bid farewell to several retiring Parliamentarians who were chief supporters of the Armenian cause in the Parliament, including Jonathan O’Dea - outgoing Chair of the NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Walt Secord - outgoing Vice Chair of the NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Victor Dominello - Member for Ryde, Rob Stokes - Member for Pittwater and Fred Nile - Member of the Legislative Council.The Armenian-Australian community should feel comforted that issues of concern will continue to be represented by re-elected champions of the Armenian cause, including Dr Hugh McDermott - Member for Prospect and Tim James - Member for Willoughby.They are joined by fellow supporters of the Armenian-Australian community including, Steve Kamper - Member for Rockdale; Janelle Saffin - Member for Lismore; Anna Watson - Member for Shellharbour; Mark Coure - Member for Oatley; Tanya Davies - Member for Mulgoa; Anthony Roberts - Member for Lane Cove and James Griffin - Member for Manly.They are bolstered by the addition of some new friends who have committed to joining the ranks of NSW parliamentarians who have committed to representing Armenian-Australian issues in the Parliament, including Rory Amon - Member for Pittwater and Matt Cross - Member for Davidson.NSW Labor currently has 45 confirmed seats on current count, but a question mark remains whether or not they will get to 47 to govern in their own right, while the most Armenian-Australian populated electorate Ryde is still on a knife edge.The seat was held by retiring Liberal MP Victor Dominello and was contested by Liberal candidate Jordan Lane and Labor's Lyndal Howison. ANC-AU continues to monitor the live vote counts and is ready to work closely with the next elected member for Ryde.ANC-AU Executive Director Michael Kolokossian said: “We enter the 58th Parliament of New South Wales with both the Armenian Genocide and the Republic of Artsakh recognised. The NSW Parliament has a strong legacy in support of Armenian-Australian issues and it is time we look ahead, recalibrate and re-strategise to advance the historic achievements we have secured in this great state.” “We are excited and optimistic to work with the Premier-elect and the victors who won their various battles during the 2023 state elections,” added Kolokossian.