SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) has congratulated the Hon. Joe Hockey MP on his appointment to the portfolio of Shadow Treasurer.
Mr. Hockey takes over from Julie Bishop MP in the high-profile role, vacating his previous dual portfolios of Shadow Minister for Finance and Manager of Opposition Business in the House.
“I very much look forward to the challenge,†Mr. Hockey, who is part-Armenian, said. “I really want to tap into the experiences of my friends and those in the community as we develop our policy platform.â€
Mr. Hockey has held a number of positions in economic portfolios including Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations (2007) and Minister for Financial Services and Regulation (1998-2001).
A long-time friend of the Armenian-Australian community and the Vice-Chairperson of the Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Hockey spoke openly about the Armenian Genocide in the Federal Parliament of Australia in October last year, calling for recognition of this heinous crime.
