The ABC has responded to the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) that expressed concern earlier this month after a morning news report called the Parthenon Sculptures, by their outdated name “Elgin” Marbles.

The report was on the dispute between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis after Sunak cancelled a scheduled meeting between the two about the Parthenon Sculptures.

The Ancient Greek sculptures from the Acropolis in Athens and were removed from the Parthenon in the early 19th century by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin and then British ambassador to the Ottoman empire. Greece has requested that they would like to see the sculptures returned to Greece.

In a letter sent to the GCM by the ABC, the broadcast corporation said they are committed to referring to the marbles as the Parthenon Marbles in the future.

The GCM announced the news in a press release, where they said they applaud this commitment as well as appreciate the response by the ABC to their correspondence on the issue.

ABC are said to have addressed various aspects of the Parthenon Marbles discussion while also providing insight into why terms like “Elgin” are used.

“That usage (of the terminology) has changed and it has become increasingly common, including by the ABC, to refer to all the marbles as the ‘Parthenon Marbles’ and providing historical context if required in relation to those held in the British Museum,” the letter read.

“That is, the default naming will be the Parthenon marbles but the use of ‘Elgin marbles’ may be used if it is necessary or useful in providing historical context.”

GCM President Bill Papastergiadis said this discussion over the marbles is important and that by having conversations like this, there may be room better understanding.

“We recognise the importance of fostering a well-informed and inclusive conversation surrounding the Parthenon Marbles,” he said in the press release.

“We believe that engaging in open dialogue is essential to building bridges and fostering a greater understanding of such matters.

“Hopefully, the momentum for the return to Greece for the Parthenon Marbles can be continued.”