The Hon. James Miltiadis Samios, M.B.E., B.A., LL.B., M.L.C. passed away on Wednesday, aged 78. He was an active supporter of multiculturalism and the arts in Australia. His commitment to the arts and and multicultural affairs to the New South Wales parliament saw him awarded with an Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division in 2005. Born in Brisbane in 1933, Samios studied at the University of Queensland where he took a particular interest in performing arts and politics. He became a Member of the Legislative Council in 1984. In his time, he held the positions of: Shadow Minister for Public Works and Services, and Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader on Ethnic Affairs.
He was also: deputy leader of Liberal Party in Legislative Council: 1995 to 2003; special adviser to the Opposition Leader on Ethnic Affairs and the Arts: 1999 to 2003; Shadow Minister for Ethnic Affairs and Assisting Shadow Minister for the Arts: 1995 – 99; Parliamentary Secretary: 1988-95; and trustee of the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Fund: 1991 to 2003.
He was also a strong advocate for community activity and was the director St Basil’s Homes and founding director of Museum of Contemporary Art.
Samios will be sorely missed within the community but always remembered as true patron of multicultural affairs and arts.