SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) has congratulated NSW Deputy Premier, the Honourable Mr. John Watkins on a wonderful career after the Member for Ryde announced his resignation from politics.
In 2008, ANC Australia awarded Mr. Watkins with the Friend of the Armenian-Australian Community Award.
Mr. Watkins was instrumental in the NSW Parliament’s unanimous passing of the Armenian Genocide bill in 1997, recognising and condemning the first Genocide of the 20th Century, and has been a staunch supporter of the Armenian-Australian community.
He announced in Sydney on Wednesday that his decision to quit politics to spend more time with his family.
"Politics is a rewarding career but it can be tough," Mr. Watkins told AAP. "To do that job properly you have to devote yourself to it entirely."
He added: "Now the time has come for me to change."
ANC Australia President, Mr. Varant Meguerditchian praised Mr. Watkins for his years of service to politics, the citizens of his electorate Ryde, his state NSW and the Armenian-Australian community.
"We congratulate Mr. Watkins on his fulfilling career," he said. "We thank him for always being a supporter of our community and wish him best in his future endeavours."
Upon receiving his award from ANC Australia last year, Mr. Watkins had said: "There is no community more involved in the political process than the Armenian community, and to be honoured as its 'Friend' is humbling."
