The Greek Herald publisher Dimitra Skalkos meets with Greek Interior Minister

·

By Nick Siriodis.

The Publisher of The Greek Herald, Dimitra Skalkos, held a meeting in an exceptional atmosphere with the Greek Minister of the Interior, Thodoris Livanios, on Monday, July 29 in the wake of Mr Livanios’ multi-day trip to Australia in March.

Very critical issues concerning the diaspora were discussed and opinions were exchanged on key issues, which are within the competence of the Minister and which he has set as a priority to resolve. Ms Skalkos was informed extensively both about the issue of the Double Taxation Agreement that concerns many expatriates in Australia, but also about the lack of staff at the Greek consulates.

Ms Skalkos raised the issue of the Consulates and Mr Livanios emphasised that he is very well aware of the problems and stressed they do not only concern Australia. The ten-year crisis in Greece brought budget cuts, resulting in staff shortages.

However, Mr Livanios said Consulates are a priority to be resolved as soon as possible and he is diligently cooperating with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis on the matter in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance for an acceptable budget that will be available make the relevant recruitments. In fact, the goal is to recruit staff locally within Australia.

Mr Livanios stated that he was impressed by the dynamics of the Greek community in Australia and by the fact that “everyone is on the same page,” indicating that they are united and have common visions for the important issues that concern them.

“Greek Australians are more Greek and less Australian,” he characteristically said.

Theodoros Livanios
Theodoros Livanios visited Australia earlier this year.

He pointed out that it was one of the best trips he has ever taken abroad and he truly loved his time in Australia. He made special mention of St. Spyridon College, expressing how much he was moved by the Greek children who all sang the national anthem together and generally had Greece so strongly in their hearts.

Regarding the postal vote, he mentioned that it was done for the first time in these European elections on a pilot basis and that the initiative was positive, while the low presence of Greeks in Australia and New Zealand played a role and the fact that the European elections are not particularly concerning to those living in countries such as Australia. In short, if and as long as the postal vote is also used in the national polls, the participation will be much larger.

Mr Livanios also referred to the upcoming trip of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, to Australia in November, shortly after the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s expected visit in October. The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is also expected to make a trip to Australia. According to information, March 2025 is a possible month for this visit.

Ms Skalkos and Mr Livanios renewed their appointment on a possible future trip of the Greek Minister to Australia.

At the conclusion of the meeting Ms Skalkos expressed, “It was a highly constructive discussion with Thodoris Livanios. During our exchange, we delved into significant matters and I was impressed by his keen interest and in-depth understanding of the issues that affect our community.”

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘We’ll keep fighting’: SYRIZA MP Kalliopi Vetta on the stalled GNTO Melbourne office

Kalliopi Vetta MP says she’ll keep pressing the government until its promise to reopen Greece’s tourism office in Melbourne is fulfilled.

First-ever online Summer School for Greek Language Teachers in Australia announced

For the first time in Australia, a specialised online summer school will be held for teachers of the Greek language in the diaspora.

NSW Police withdraw AVO against convicted businessman Nicholas Stavropoulos

An AVO against Nicholas Stavropoulos has been withdrawn and dismissed by NSW Police, despite his recent rape conviction in Greece.

Canterbury Bankstown FC’s Greek Australian stars shine at Malaysian Borneo Cup

The Canterbury Bankstown FC Under-16s - formerly known as Marrickville Olympic - are representing Australia at the 2025 Malaysian Borneo Cup.

Hellenic Club of Canberra pushes ahead with plan for Woden Village precinct

The Hellenic Club of Canberra has lodged the Development Application (DA) for its proposed Woden Village precinct.

You May Also Like

The top six Greek sporting moments from 2023

2023 has been a year of victory and accomplishment for Greek athletes. From Australian Open records to National football drafts.

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney commemorates the Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney commemorated the 2,500th anniversary of the battles of Thermopylae and Salamis with a digital production.

Australians with Greek heritage among top federal political donors for 2022 – 2023

Marcus Catsaras and Robert Keldoulis have ranked in the top 10 of the biggest federal political donors for the 2022-2023 period.