With the leadership of the Labor Party to be decided within days, ALP members of the Greek Australian community have declared their unanimous support for the first-ever open ballot of party members.
Many of those voicing their support for the new system are seniors who have supported Labor for most of their working lives.
Christos Tsirkas (69), former president of the the once numerous Greek-speaking ALP branches in Victoria, says the change is long overdue.
“I support it very much. The problem we faced in the last four years was the way we changed the leaders – people lost confidence in the party.
“Now the members have the choice. It’s not a good idea for three of four persons to put anyone they like on the top of the party.”
Mr Tsirkas, who has been an ALP member since 1972, has decided where his vote will be going.
“Both are good enough to run the party, but I’m in favour of Shorten,” says Mr Tsirkas, who has worked as a booking clerk at Flinders Street station for nearly 40 years.
“He’s a Victorian and he’s been a long time in the public eye. He’s a smart man too.”
Asked what he expected Labor’s new leader to deliver, Mr Tsirkas says it’s all about their ability to deliver Labor’s core values – its mission to protect the most vulnerable.
“The issues for me are how do we get low-paid workers enough money to live, social security, how we help disabled people, and keep up the economy.
“I expect him to unite the party as much as he can, be in touch with the roots in the community, not just do what some advisers tell him.”
A member of the Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union, Christos admits that some trade unions have previously had too much say.
“Some, not all of them, had a lot of influence in the party but we have to go democratically when we appoint the leader.”
“In my union we want the people to choose the one they want.”
In Sydney, another ALP stalwart is Dimitris Foundas (75). A former Olympic Airways cargo manager and PASOK branch secretary for NSW, Mr Foundas is backing the party’s former deputy leader.
“Both are very good, but I’ve already voted for Albanese,” said Mr Foundas.
“Firstly I believe he has the abilities to be a good leader, and secondly I’m a friend of his.”
Mr Foundas says by opening out the leadership ballot to party members, the ALP is taking a leaf out of Greek politics.
“We did that with PASOK in Greece and this is very good. I believe in democracy.”
A vocal supporter of Kevin Rudd rather than Julia Gillard, Mr Foundas is not alone in suggesting the new man’s top priority.
“The most important thing is that he creates unity,” he says.

Longtime Labor supporter Nick Bantounas in Oakleigh is equally impressed with the reformed voting system – but picks Bill Shorten as the man who could lead Labor to electoral victory sooner.
“I’m glad they took it on board. This new system makes it more democratic,” says Mr Bantounas (77).
“Albo’s a good man but I believe Shorten has more qualities and can build the party.
“I want the new leader to do what the members want. Members should be involved in pre-selection. We need to be active.”
While Mr Bantounas and others may look back to the 1970s as Labor’s finest hour – “Whitlam was the best, not just for the Greeks but for everybody,” he says – how the party attracts more younger members – with the same fiery determination as their parents and grandparents – is the ALP’s challenge.
Emily Ioannou (22) reflects a new generation committed to the Labor cause.
Ms Ioannou – a student from Meadow Heights, Victoria – is yet to make her mind up on which candidate is best suited to carry Labor’s torch forward, but one thing’s for sure – she welcomes the chance to have her say.
“It means that we have a voice as to the leadership of the party that we support,” says Ms Ioannou.
“I know from party members that I’ve spoken to, and for myself, it’s a development that has reinvigorated party members’ support of the ALP – especially in the wake of the election result.”
Emily’s comments speak volumes. Real ownership of the party by its members will define ‘new’ Labor and its electoral fortunes for years ahead.
Meanwhile, interim leader Chris Bowen announced on Thursday that the closing date for votes had been extended to 5pm next Friday ”to ensure every vote counts”. Labor’s new leader will be announced on Sunday, October 13.