Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, 25 March, marks Greek Independence Day, which is celebrated and commemorated throughout Australia by all our Greek community—in fact, by Greeks all over the world no matter where they are. I was honoured on the weekend to attend the wreath-laying ceremony and church service that took place in my electorate to commemorate this special event. It was attended by many state ministers, politicians, opposition members and the Australian armed forces—the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

On this day in 1821 the Greek people rose against the Ottoman Empire, fighting for their independence after four centuries of oppression. This struggle was not merely about reclaiming a nation. It was about restoring the ideals of democracy—ideals first forged in ancient Greece. The Greek revolutionaries were inspired by the enlightenment and the fundamental belief that people should govern themselves free from tyranny. These same principles continue to define the way we live here in Australia today. Our democracy, like so many around the world, owes so much to those ancient Greeks. The very concepts of citizens having a voice in their government, the rule of law and civic participation trace their origins back to Athenian democracy.

Greek Australians in all our electorates here in this nation have played an integral role in shaping our nation, bringing not only their rich culture to Australia but also their deep-rooted commitment to democratic ideals. Therefore, today we say, 'Zito i Ellada'—'Long live Greece'—and long live Australia.