Katsampanis to PHP: Another Greek-Australian elected to Australian Parliament

The Australian Federal election on Saturday saw a new Greek-Australian elected to the House of Representatives in the seat of Reid in New South Wales.

Dr Fiona Martin, who has family links to the historic Greek island of Kastellorizo, is a psychologist and small business owner who founded and runs the Sydney Psychology Centre. She was a candidate for the Liberal Party in Saturday’s election and after her success she replaces former Minister Craig Laundy as the Federal Member for Reid.

Peter Katsambanis, president of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIPA- ΠαΔΕΕ) congratulated Dr Martin.

Mr Katsampanis talking to Panhellenic Post, said: “It is always a pleasure to have more Greek-Australians elected to Parliament. It shows that we are an integral part of Australian society and we make valuable contributions in all walks of life from trades to business, academia, the professions and politics”.

“I want to also congratulate all other Greek-Australians who were successful at Saturday’s election including Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack (National Party), Steve Georganas (Australian Labor Party), Maria Vamvakinou (Australian Labor Party) and Special Minister of State Alex Hawke (Liberal Party).

“Senator Arthur Sinodinos (Liberal Party) was not up for re-election this year and he will continue to serve with distinction in the Australian Senate.

“As happens at every election some candidates are unfortunately unsuccessful. Two members of Parliament of Hellenic heritage, Julia Banks and Senator Peter Georgiou, appear to have not been re-elected. I thank them for their service and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

“With the results of the election now clear, WHIA will continue to work with the re-elected Morrison Liberal government on issues important to Greek-Australians. We will continue to advocate for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to their rightful home and to properly commemorate the special wartime links between Australia and Greece, including a fitting memorial on the island of Lemnos once the current feasibility study funded by the Australian government is completed.

“Australia has been a strong ally for Greece and Cyprus in international forums for decades and we expect this will continue in the future.

“The continued success of politicians of Hellenic descent will ensure that the WHIA General Assembly in Athens in July will have a very strong attendance from all corners of the globe” Mr Katsambanis concluded.