Victoria’s Liberal Leader Michael O’Brien has added his voice to those of other politicians from all side of the political spectrum for the continuation of Greek Studies in Victoria with a letter to La Trobe University Chancellor John Brumby.

Dear Chancellor,

I am concerned that La Trobe University has announced it will cease its Modern Greek studies course. I believe this is a mistake for Victoria with its very significant Greek community and noting the enormous contribution to Melbourne, in particular, of the Greek diaspora.
The Victorian Government’s Languages Provision in Victorian Government Schools, 2019 report published in August 2020 shows 5,454 students were enrolled to study Greek across more than 30 accredited community language schools last year. This was the second largest community language school enrolment in Victoria. A further 2,086 students studied Greek at Victorian Government schools. In addition, there are a number of students undertaking separate private tuition.

More than 47,000 Victorians are born overseas of Greek background with many more of second and third generation Greek Australian background.

Given Victoria’s significant population of people with Greek background – and our deserved pride in being Australia’s multicultural capital – the retention of this course is important. Those with a Greek heritage should have the opportunity to study a language of cultural significance to them.

I submit that Victoria’s trade opportunities are also strengthened where language skills and understanding of other cultures is strengthened. Courses like Modern Greek studies are therefore likely to assist in future trade opportunities.

READ MORE: Labor, Liberal and La Trobe University’s Greek studies: a political perspective

I understand a review process is occurring and would urge reconsideration of the announced decision to cease Modern Greek studies at La Trobe University.

It is also my view that it is to La Trobe University’s advantage to maintain the Modern Greek studies course given the ability of this course to attract Victorian, national and potentially international students.

Michael O’Brien MP
Leader of the Opposition Leader of the Liberal Party Member for Malvern