The suspension of Kat Theophanous from a Labor sub-faction in the party’s Right, the Cons faction, has been lifted. The Victorian parliamentarian has, according to Neos Kosmos sources, attended all factional meetings last week.
Her suspension came after Theophanous’s speech on the floor of parliament on August 4, commemorating the 49th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of the north of the Island. The address angered minister Natalie Suleyman, from the same faction, and others from Labor’s Turkish base.
Theophanous reported on how she and other Hellenic Australian parliamentarians, earlier in the year, passed a resolution at the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association general assembly, “condemning the illegal occupation of Northern Cyprus by Türkiye, which contravenes international law and UN resolutions, and we called for the right of return for Cypriot refugees to their ancestral homelands.”
According to Neos Kosmos sources, Minister Melissa Horne and Minister Steve Dimopoulos played a role in “resolving the matter”, leading to Theophanous reinstatement.
According to sources, the focus is now on “unity”.
It’s understood that Theophanous will remain a group member and will not be adversely impacted now or in the future.
Various Greek and Greek Cypriot organisations had written to then-Premier Dan Andrews, Minister Horne and other members of parliament calling for Theophanous’ reinstatement.
On a positive note, the situation sparked what a community leader and veteran Labor insider said: a desire to engage more, promote understanding, and positive relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriot diaspora communities in Victoria, especially within the ALP.”
The same source added any just solution to the Cyprus issue should benefit Greek and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus and those in Australia “who have suffered because of the island’s division.”
