Neos Kosmos, the leading Greek Australian masthead since 1957, supports the Yes vote in the upcoming referendum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament. The referendum presents an historic opportunity to redress injustices. So, we ask Greek Australians to vote “yes” and support the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
The First Nations Voice to Parliament is a proposal for a constitutionally enshrined representative body that would give Indigenous Australians a say in decisions that affect them. This would provide a powerful platform for Indigenous Australians to voice their concerns, share their stories, and shape the policies that affect them.
As Greek Australian media, and as a pillar in the Greek Australian community, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our nation’s Indigenous community.
As Greeks we introduced democracy to the world, and we know the power and importance of a voice, παρουσία, parrhesia, the presence and right to speak in the agora. A First Nations Voice to Parliament is a vital step towards truth telling and Neos Kosmos as a media organisation and as a voice of and for Greek Australians supports truth telling.
As Hellenes we too understand the trauma of oppression, genocide, and colonisation, having been colonised for 400 years, invaded by Nazis in World War II, and experienced bloody civil wars, we can relate to the struggles of First Nations Australians.
We like many non-Anglo migrants, have firsthand experience of racism and bigotry, and we looked to community, clan, family, and faith for our continued survival as Diaspora. However, we can never fully comprehend the level of hurt, trauma, and extreme racism experienced by our First Nations Australians.
As Greek Diaspora, we understand the power of a τόπος, topos or Country and we still feel a deep connection to our indigenous ancestral lands in Asia Minor (Turkey) and Greece, even after 10,000 years. We know firsthand the sense of belonging and identity that comes from having a topos, or Country.
Our connection to the global Greek community and Greece provides a sense belonging that many First Nations people have been denied.
Neos Kosmos believes that it is our duty as Hellenes, as members of the Diaspora, to enshrine the voice of First Nations in our Parliament.
We know that the journey towards true reconciliation is based on truth telling and it is a long and complex one, however, we are committed to playing our part in this historic occasion.
Neos Kosmos were one of the first multicultural media outlets to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which was issued in 2017, and called for a Makarrata Commission to oversee a process of agreement-making between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We have featured stories on the work being done by Indigenous leaders, by Greek First Nations Australians and those who promote reconciliation and recognition.
We believe a First Nations Voice to Parliament will go some way to creating a more inclusive Australian society that values and respects the unique cultures and histories of all Australians.
Neos Kosmos is proud to support the First Nations Voice to Parliament and the movement for reconciliation and recognition of Indigenous Australians. By working together and by strengthening Indigenous Australian voices and perspectives, we can help to create a more just society for all Australians.
