SYDNEY: The Hon. Joe Hockey MP, Shadow Treasurer and Federal Member for the Armenian-Australia populated electorate of North Sydney, reaffirmed his commitment to advocate for recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Federal Government of Australia during a recent meeting with the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia).
Hockey declared: "In spite of opposition by genocide deniers, my support for Armenian Genocide recognition remains unwavering."
"More and more legislatures have recognised the Armenian Genocide and it is time Australia does the same."
ANC Australia welcomed Hockey's reaffirmation and leadership on this fundamental issue of human rights
Executive Director Varant Meguerditchian said: "Affirmation of the Armenian Genocide is a fundamental step toward ensuring that similar crimes are not repeated."
Since his re-election at the 2007 Federal Election, Hockey has been an imposing figure in the struggle against genocide denial.
On two occasions, he called for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in speeches made to the House of Representatives and, in association with ANC Australia, hosted an exhibition at Parliament House called 'Beyond Anzac Cove'. This exhibition paid tribute to ANZAC soldiers who lay witness to the deportation of the Armenians.
Hockey and the Federal Electorate of North Sydney will feature in ANC Australia's upcoming 'Guide to Federal Election 2010'.
With redistribution of electorate boundaries in the lead up to the 2010 Federal Election, Hockey's electorate, which was already home to the Armenian Cultural Centre, the Homenetmen Scout Centre and ARS Happy Kids Kindergarten, now also includes the Armenian Apostolic Church and the additional Armenian-Australian populated areas which surround it.
