A new petition before the ACT Legislative Assembly is calling for the inclusion of Armenian, Assyrian and Greek genocide education in the territory’s school curriculum, as community groups intensify efforts to secure broader historical recognition.
The e-petition, sponsored by Greens MLA Andrew Braddock, urges the ACT Government to incorporate teaching on the experiences of these communities during World War I and its aftermath, particularly the period between 1915 and 1923.
It comes as the Canberra Association of Pontos ‘Trapezounta’, alongside Armenian and Assyrian organisations, continues a coordinated push to have the proposal adopted.
Supporters say the initiative is about strengthening historical awareness and ensuring students gain a more complete understanding of events that profoundly impacted these communities.
The petition highlights what it describes as the systematic mass killings and deportations carried out under the Ottoman Empire, which led to the deaths and displacement of millions of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks.
Advocates argue that including this history in the curriculum would not only acknowledge the experiences of affected communities, but also contribute to a broader understanding of migration, identity and multicultural Australia.
The petition, lodged earlier this year, remains open to ACT residents, with organisers urging supporters to take part, noting that even small increases in signatures could strengthen the case for parliamentary consideration.
If successful, the proposal would prompt the ACT Government to review its curriculum framework and consider formally incorporating the topic into classroom teaching.
The push reflects a wider movement across Australia, where diaspora communities have long advocated for greater recognition of these historical events within education systems and public discourse.
If you are an ACT resident, you can sign the petition here before it closes on May 3.
