News

Representatives of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) recently met with NSW State Election candidates contesting seats in notable Armenian-Australian hubs; chiefly Davidson, Lane Cove, Ryde and Willoughby.

The ANC Australia delegates presented the candidates with the community’s key issues of concern, seeking their official views, which have been published below as the NSW State Election Candidate Reports. The NSW State Election will be held on Saturday 24 March, 2007.

DAVIDSON

JONATHAN O’DEA, LIB

The Armenian Genocide
“I have an understanding and sensitivity towards displaced people after having once worked as a volunteer Refugee caseworker, and look forward to advancing the concerns of the Armenian-Australian community.”

The Assassination of Hrant Dink
“I plan to research this issue, and will work with my State Liberal colleague, Gladys Berejiklian on any actions in this regard.”

Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and The Sumgait Massacre
“I support the Armenian-Australian community in seeking recognition of the Republic, but feel it is a Federal issue. I will also research the information you have provided regarding the Sumgait Massacre.”

Local Issues
“The water shortage is due to poor planning, which I plan to help rectify if elected. Public Transport must be improved in the area and Roads must also be managed better to avoid traffic. The Local Council in Warringah must be democratically elected and empowered, whilst the Environment, including our vast natural bushlands, must be preserved.”

Message to Community
“I will support the Armenian community in Davidson on all issues, and plan to join my colleague, Gladys Berejiklian in furthering your cause.”

LANE COVE

ANTHONY ROBERTS, LIB

The Armenian Genocide
“The act was reprehensible and must be widely recognised and condemned. The denial of the proven Armenian Genocide cannot continue as it is part of your history; part of you, just as Irish history and the Potato Famine is part of me.”

The Assassination of Hrant Dink
“Such actions must be condemned and I pledge to do all in my power to aid the Armenian-Australian community’s attempts to honour Dink.”

Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and The Sumgait Massacre
“We must educate Australians of this region and its battles. It is about recognising where your community comes from; your origins and your culture.”

Local Issues
“Issues such as Transport, Roads, Local School Funding, Over-Development and the fact that the Community has no say needs to be addressed in Lane Cove. The lack of filtration in the Lane Cove Tunnel is unforgivable on the State Government’s behalf as it is proven to cause childhood and adult diseases. The State Opposition says it is time for a change of leadership to fix New South Wales.”

Message to Community
“Armenians have given so much to Australia. They represent archetypal businesspeople with an admirable work ethic. The community has always been there for me, for which I am grateful, and I plan to be there for you.”

RYDE

IVAN PETCH, INDEPENDENT

The Armenian Genocide
“I support the Armenian community’s battle for recognition as shown by my support in passing the Armenian Genocide resolution in Ryde Council as Mayor and the erection of the Memorial at Meadowbank. This support will never be questioned and will never change.”

The Assassination of Hrant Dink
“This action should be condemned. I plan to do it in my role as Mayor of Ryde, and in State Parliament, if elected.”

Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and The Sumgait Massacre
“The Republic of Nagorno Karabagh must be officially recognised and the Sumgait Massacre needs to be explained to the public and condemned.”

Local Issues
“I plan to be a true Member for Ryde. Currently, my opponent is the Minister for everything but the Member for nobody. I plan to represent my community as their voice in Parliament.”

Message to Community
“Just as I have been your voice in Council, I plan to be your voice in Parliament.”


JOHN WATKINS, ALP

The Armenian Genocide
“I was an ardent supporter of the NSW State Parliament’s Armenian Genocide resolution, which recognised April 24 as a day of remembrance. There can be no back-tracking on this issue. The Armenian Genocide is a tragic, historical truth – it can never be denied. If I am re-elected I will raise with the Speaker the issue of lighting the gardens around the Genocide monument at State Parliament.”

The Assassination of Hrant Dink
“I will continue to support the work of the Armenian community in their condemnation of Mr Dink’s murder, and I will also seek to raise this in all appropriate forums.”

Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and The Sumgait Massacre
“I thank the Armenian National Committee for raising these important issuers and I look forward to supporting the Committee as to the most appropriate way to further these causes. I want to make more Australians aware of the region of Nagorno Karabagh and the issues around it.”

Local Issues
“Health services in the Ryde area have significantly improved under Morris Iemma, including our recent $4.5 million commitment to upgrade Ryde Hospital and our commitment to develop a new after hours GP clinic. The new North West Rail Link and Lane Cove tunnel will significantly improve transport, and school funding will be boosted. Crime rates in our area continue to fall thanks to the great work of our local police. On water, we will not let Sydney run out of water. The desalination plant is a key part of our plan to secure Sydney’s water supply. That plan includes Recycling and reuse; Water-saving devices; Dams; Desalination; and Rain harvesting.

Message to Community
“I will continue to work for the Armenian community in my role as part of the Australian-Armenian Parliamentary Friendship Group, and hope to continue as your voice in the NSW Parliament.”

WILLOUGHBY

GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN, LIB

The Armenian Genocide
“The Armenian Genocide is an important part of my heritage and upbringing and I feel very proud to champion its cause in Parliament. I was previously a member of the Armenian National Committee.”

The Assassination of Hrant Dink
“When Hrant Dink was in Sydney two years ago, I took him on a visit to Parliament House and to the Genocide monument in the gardens. He was very proud of the community’s achievement in New South Wales. His assassination was a tragedy and should be condemned.”

Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and The Sumgait Massacre
“It was a pleasure to host visiting Nagorno Karabagh Minister, Mr. Armen Sarkissian in State Parliament last year, and a delight that he was officially introduced by the Speaker.”

Local Issues
“The Lane Cove Tunnel and the traffic it will cause, access to the railway, Health, Transport and the Environment are all among the problems we plan to rectify if elected into office.”

Message to Community
“In New South Wales, we pay more taxes than in any other state for less in return. If you want to turn things around, you must vote Liberal on March 24.”