CANBERRA: An Armenian National Committee of Australia delegation visited Parliament House in Canberra last week for meetings with key federal political leaders to discuss issues of concern to the Armenian-Australian community.
The delegation, led by ANC Australia President Mr. Varant Meguerditchian, met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Alexander Downer and Chair of the Armenia-Australia Federal Parliamentary Friendship Group Senator Marise Payne to raise matters primarily regarding the Australian Government’s position relating to recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the political status of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and the securing of Hamazkaine Arshak and Sophie Galstaun (HASG) School’s long-term future.
“The federal representatives were receptive to the concerns of the Armenian-Australian community,†said Mr. Meguerditchian.
Similar meetings were held with federal representatives from Armenian populated areas in Sydney’s West - Shadow Minister for Assistant Treasurer, Revenue and Competition Policy Mr. Chris Bowen - and Melbourne - Shadow Minister for Veteran Affairs, for Defence, Science and Personnel Mr. Alan Griffin - as well as with friends of the Armenian-Australian community including Shadow Minister for Defence Mr. Joel Fitzgibbon and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education, Science and Training Mr. Pat Farmer.
Additional meetings where held with the Department of Education where issues specifically relating to the HASG School were discussed. At these meetings, a delegation from the school’s Board, led by Chairman Mr. Greg Soghomonian, were also present.
“The joint meetings with federal representatives mark a successful coordination of activity between ANC Australia and one of its many sister organisations, the HASG School,†added Mr. Meguerditchian.
