On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Neos Kosmos for supporting the “Yes” to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Prime Minister Albanese spoke at the 12th Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in Sydney, in front of over 650 attendees including the Church hierarchy and Greek Australian community leaders.

The Congress began on Monday, September 25 with a proclamation of “unity and determination”, as more than to participated in what was described as a “historic event” there were 650 community representatives, including clerics, from across the continent.

The Prime Minister described the Neos Kosmos editorial as “impressive.” Neos Kosmos‘ Thursday, March 22 editorial called on Greek Australians to vote Yes in the upcoming First Nations Voice Referendum in Parliament.

“On the day that we announced the clear and straightforward wording of the referendum question back in March, Neos Kosmos published a remarkable editorial supporting Yes,” Mr Albanese said.

He then read the following extracts from it.

“As Greeks, we introduced democracy to the world, and we know the power and importance of a voice – parrhesia.

“The presence and right to speak in the agora. We know first-hand the sense of belonging and identity of having a topos or country.”

The Prime Minister said the “case was made for Yes in the best traditions of Greek democracy.”

“Rising, of course, from demos. We have so much in the democratic world to thank the great Greek traditions for,” Mr Albanese said.

He added that the case “has been made for yes, according to the essential values of the Greek Orthodox Church.

“Just as there is a case for yes to be found on all sides of politics from every viewpoint and perspective, and that all face, all face, are supporting a positive result in this referendum because we all share a common humanity,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

In March, Neos Kosmos’ editorial caught the attention of ABC political reporter Patricia Karvellas, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The country’s largest Greek newspaper published an editorial in favour of a “Yes” vote. What are other national newspapers saying?”

The Guardian’s Victoria correspondent, Benita Kolovos, reposted the Neos Kosmos editorial on X, stating that the leading Greek-Australian newspaper supports a “Yes” vote in the upcoming First Nations Voice referendum in Parliament. “The referendum is a historic opportunity to redress injustices,” it said.

The Australian Financial Review reported on the editorial along with comments from leading multicultural media outlets such as Il Globo, Australian Jewish News and Indian Link.

Neos Kosmos wrote in its editorial that the Referendum is a ‘historic opportunity to redress injustices’ and called on Greek Australians to vote ‘Yes’.

“As a pillar of the Greek Australian community, we stand with the Indigenous community of our nation. We believe that the First Nations Voice in Parliament will go some way to creating a more inclusive Australian society that values and respects all Australians’ unique cultures and history.

“By working together and amplifying the voices and perspectives of Indigenous Australians, we can help create a more equitable society for all Australians.”

Noel Pearson: give us a Voice then hold us accountable

In a powerful speech at the National Press Club, on Wednesday September 27, Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson talked about the three streams of Australia, Aboriginal Australia, settlement, multiculturalism if the Yes wins on October 14.

“If we vote Yes, we’re voting Yes to orientate the relationship between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians down a safe and responsible middle path,” Pearson said.

He added that ,”Voting No is not a neutral choice. Voting No is an active choice to take us nowhere.

“Voting No leaves us suspended in the neverland that exists when two peoples love the same homeland, but have not yet learned to love each other.”

He went further by saying that “Blame us when you give us a voice.

“Hold us accountable, too, when we do this.

“We want our right to take responsibility. Allow us to empower our people to take charge of our children, our families, and our people’s destiny.”