SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) has met with the New South Wales Liberal Candidate for the seat of Willoughby to discuss key issues of importance to Armenian-Australians ahead of this Saturday's Willoughby by-election (12th February 2022).
The state seat of Willoughby is home to one of the largest Armenian-Australian communities in New South Wales, where the Armenian vote has played an important role in determining the outcome in the electorate.
The by-election is one of four New South Wales electorates that requires constituents to head to the polls following the resignations of several current sitting MPs.
Willoughby, which covers heavily Armenian populated suburbs surrounding Chatswood, was forced to hold a by-election following the resignation of former Premier and Willoughby MP, Armenian-Australian Gladys Berejiklian.
The ANC-AU met with frontrunner Tim James to discuss continued NSW state support for Federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, support for the indigenous Armenian people's rights to self-determination of the Republic of Artsakh and local issues of importance.
James, born and raised in the seat of Willoughby, expressed his readiness to support the local Armenian-Australian community on several fronts.
Following our meeting and in the lead up to the by-election, James reiterated his commitment on several issues:
Armenian Genocide
"I look forward to continuing representing the issues important to Willoughby's local Armenian-Australian community, like my predecessor and former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, a proud descendant of survivors of the Armenian Genocide," James said.
"I reject all euphemisms when referencing the Armenian Genocide issue and firmly believe it is high time the Australian Government stands with the New South Wales Parliament and the broader international community in acknowledging this heinous crime against humanity for what it was," added James.
Republic of Artsakh
"I am proud to sign on to the Australian Friends of Artsakh network and join calls for the rights to self-determination for the indigenous Armenians of the Republic of Artsakh," James said.
Local Issues
James has also pledged to support the growing needs of the Armenian-Australian community in Willoughby. This support extends to the countless hardworking community-run organisations including the sporting and cultural clubs, schools and churches based in and around the electorate.
ANC-AU Executive Director Haig Kayserian has thanked Mr James for his vocal support and commitment pledges ahead of the Willoughby by-election.
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VIDEO: Tim James Delivers Pitch to Armenians of Willoughby ahead of 12 February 2022 By-Election
The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) hosted Liberal Candidate for the Willoughby by-election Tim James where he delivered a pitch to Willoughby Armenians before they head to the polls.
This follows an announcement earlier this week on James positions on issues including support for federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Australia, solidarity with the peoples right to self-determination of the Republic of Artsakh and local issues of concern.
View Tim James’ pitch below or by clicking here.
