The Greek Ministerial Consultative Committee (GMCC) – established by the Gillard Government – is set to continue after a short hiatus due to a change of guard in the immigration portfolio. Even though the GMCC was instrumental in securing favourable wins for the Greek community, it has since failed to make any significant impact.
Co-chaired by federal MPs Steve Georganas and Maria Vamvakinou, the GMCC offers the Greek Australian community direct access to the prime minister and members of cabinet. It was established last year – along with another eight committees of ethnic persuasion – in order for the federal government to strengthen its relationship with the migrant population of Australia.
The committee was instrumental in initiating a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement with Greece; influencing ACARA’s decision to include Modern Greek in the national curriculum and creating a better aged care strategy for the ageing Greek Australian community, but has since faltered due to the lack of meetings with the federal government .
However, the GMCC has been quiet following the departure of Chris Bowen as immigration minister.
Yet, the new immigration minister Brendan O’Connor confirmed with Neos Kosmos that the GMCC was set to see another day, stating that he believes it is important that he regularly engages with ethnic communities, including the Greek community.