Best known for his time as Federal Labor’s Member for Hindmarsh between 2004 and 2013, Steve Georganas is widely tipped to contest the seat at the next election. Born to immigrant parents who arrived in the 1950s, starting with his childhood, Steve Georganas recalls the difficulties which many Greeks faced in those early years.
“I was, as were many of my fellow countrymen, a victim of racism at that time. I remember the day when my mother, in her discussion with the school principal, tried to explain that my actual name was Stathis – and the principal insisting on my English name,” says Mr Georganas.
“At the same time I reflect on where we are today; the new generation that retains the Greek names and I’m pleased that we still maintain the tradition and the Greek customs.”
Mr Georganas believes it was his generation that laid the framework for future generations. “The maintenance of our Greek heritage was a lot easier in previous years. We essentially laid the foundations – through afternoon schools and the assistance of the Church, for our traditions to survive. How future generations will utilise these foundations is something only time will tell. It gets more difficult with each new generation, but I hope they will eventually succeed.”
Always keen to build bridges with the ancestral homeland, the former MP believes that task has become harder for younger Greek Australians.
“It was easier for past generations. We were close to our relatives. Today, as this closeness becomes distant, our contact with the motherland diminishes and could potentially be lost. It’s for this reason that I believe we must create, through special government programs, those preconditions which will strengthen the bonds of the migrant with the country of birth and where the ancestors lived.”
Before revealing his future plans, it’s his current activity – working with the Australian Services Union to advance the rights of its members working in administrative areas of public and private sector organisations – that Mr Georganas is undertaking with his hallmark passion and dedication.
“It is a great honour. It gives me the opportunity to not only be involved with the rights of low-income workers, but to improve their working conditions”.
One of Mr Georganas’ main briefs currently is to assist negotiations in respect to the 5,000 impeding job cuts by Qantas – the goal being to avoid as many layoffs as possible during a difficult period for the South Australian economy.
The major challenges SA has faced in the last three years, according to the former MP, relate to pensions and unemployment. “We are a small state with a population of just 1.5 million and we always have faced many difficulties.
“The federal government has cut concessions for a group of citizens who need them most – pensioners. I believe it’s a big mistake.
“Fortunately, South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has committed to continue providing this financial assistance to pensioners.”
In respect to unemployment, Mr Georganas is unsurprisingly firmly in agreement with the Weatherill government’s policies.
“There are opportunities for more jobs if we can retain the submarine construction and maintenance in our state. Also, increasing opportunities for more small to medium businesses will have a positive effect on the economy and in job vacancies – that will benefit our children and grandchildren,” says the veteran Labor supporter.
As we discuss politics, I’m compelled to ask about his future plans and whether he is contemplating a return to the parliamentary political arena.
“I view it as my duty to continue to play a significant role in our state, to personally contribute to improving the standard of living of our fellow citizens.
“As far as my active involvement in politics, one thing that I can say to you is that I will certainly have a role in the 2016 elections.
“There’s no reason why I can’t – either as a candidate, campaign co-coordinator or strategist. Now, what this actual role will be is a decision for the Australian Labor Party, which I have been serving for more than 32 years.
“For me, the seat of Hindmarsh is what always concerns me. I grew up there, was born there, work there – I know its people and its problems. I find it unnatural to be somewhere else. For me, only this seat exists.”
Mr Georganas visits Greece often and expresses, as do many other expatriates, his concern for the future of the motherland.
“Our country has endured many difficulties throughout the centuries, but it always manages to find a way out of the dead end. I am optimistic that all will go well.”
As for Australia, Mr Georganas calls it one of the best countries in the world. “We are blessed in that our parents made the decision to come here and we can now fulfill our dreams. As far as my own dream? I’m living my dream. I have a happy family, and through my work, I wish to create a better world for future generations.”
