By Ilias Karagiannis
While the 2025 federal election was marked by a sweeping Labor victory, the night also held special significance for the Greek Australian community. Three MPs of Greek heritage were re-elected, reaffirming the long-standing influence of the Greek diaspora in Australia’s political sphere.
Several other candidates of Greek background also delivered notable results.
The most experienced among them, Steve Georganas, secured a decisive win in the seat of Adelaide, gaining around 70% of the vote against Liberal rival Amy Grantham. This year marks 20 years since Georganas was first elected in 2004, making him one of Labor’s most seasoned and consistent federal representatives.
In a post on Facebook, Georganas thanked his supporters and said he was “extremely humbled” by the outcome.
“I thank every single person that entrusted me with their support. I will continue to stand up for every single person and continue to fight for our amazing community,” Georganas wrote.
In Mitchell (New South Wales), Alex Hawke – whose mother hails from Chortiatis – retained his seat for the Liberal Party despite the party’s broader national decline.
Likewise, in the Riverina (New South Wales), Michael McCormack of the National Party – whose maternal grandfather was from Akrata – was comfortably re-elected.
Fiona Douskou of the Liberals was unsuccessful in Barton (New South Wales), despite a strong campaign, losing to Labor’s Ash Ambihaipahar.
Several other candidates of Greek descent ran under smaller parties or as independents. Among the standouts were:
- John Fotakis (Kingston, SA – Greens) received 15%
- Matthew Katselis (Hawke, VIC – One Nation) received 9%
- Sakellarios Bairamis (Lingiari, NT – One Nation) received over 10.2%
- Arthur Tsoutsoulis (Scullin, VIC – One Nation) received 5.8%
- Tony Margos (Fowler, NSW – One Nation) received close to 5%
Other notable Greek Australian candidates included:
- Ali Antoniou (McEwen, VIC – People First, 3.4%)
- Harry Hatzikalimnios (McPherson, QLD – People First, 3.8%)
- Anthony Koutoufides (Melbourne, VIC – Independent, 3%)
- Amanda Paliouras (Menzies, VIC – Trumpet of Patriots, approx. 2.4%)
- John Koukoulis (Watson, NSW – Trumpet of Patriots, approx. 2.8%)
- Steve Kefalinos (Tangney, WA – One Nation, 3.7%)
- Gianni del Rosario Makridis (Calwell, VIC – Legalise Cannabis Australia, 3.5%)
- Phillip Courtis (Casey, VIC – Trumpet of Patriots, approx. 3.5%)
