SYDNEY: In the lead up to the 21 August Federal Election, the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) and the Australian Hellenic Council NSW (AHC NSW) were present at the Campaign Launch of Jason Clare MP, the Federal Member for Blaxland.

Known to ANC Australia and AHC for his support of issues concerning Armenian and Hellenic Australians, Clare was supported by Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan MP, as well as a number of his parliamentary colleagues.

Addressing the packed ballroom, both Swan and Clare revealed Labor Government policy on major issues including the economy, immigration and mining, while focussing on the achievements registered since Labor won office last election in 2007. Both also expressed their commitment to addressing community concerns in the electorate of Blaxland at the next sitting of Parliament.

Swan and Clare were joined by at the event by Minister for Agriculture Tony Burke MP, Daryl Melham MP, Tony Stewart MP and Chris Hayes MP.

Representing ANC Australia at the Campaign Launch, Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian said: "With the federal election looming, it is important for the ANC Australia to support its parliamentary allies and attain a better understanding of broader party policy."

"Shortly ANC Australia will release our 'Guide to Federal Election 2010' to better inform Armenian-Australians of the policy positions of those candidates in Armenian-Australian populated electorates."

Joining Meguerditchian and also representing the Armenian community of Blaxland was Vicken Kalloghlian of ANC Australia, while the Australian Hellenic community was represented by AHC NSW Secretary Dr Panayiotis Diamadis.

PHOTO above (left to right): Parliamentary Secretary for Employment Jason Clare MP, Dr Panayiotis Diamadis of Australian Hellenic Council (NSW), Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan MP, Varant Meguerditchian of ANC Australia and Vicken Kalloghlian of ANC Australia.