The long-anticipated Greece–Australia Double Taxation Agreement and the understaffing of the Greek Consulate General in Melbourne were at the centre of recent talks in Athens between the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Greeks Abroad, Yiannis Loverdos.
According to a statement from the Greek Community of Melbourne, during the meetings Papastergiadis “was briefed on the issues of Double Taxation and the strengthening of the Consular Authority.”
“Both Mr Kaklamanis and Mr Loverdos were across all the matters concerning Greek Australians, with the Deputy Minister directly addressing the issues relating to the Melbourne Consulate.”
Loverdos told the GCM President that “the Greek government is making every possible effort to find solutions and is very aware and sensitive to the problems.”
“When asked about the timeframe, Mr Loverdos was optimistic and expressed the hope that he would be able to announce a solution soon.”
“In addition, Mr Loverdos spoke at length on the issue of Double Taxation. It was made clear that Greece has advanced in the negotiations and that the matter is now in Australia’s hands.”
During his upcoming visit to Australia in October, Loverdos expressed his intention to visit most capital cities and said he was excited to meet with the large and vibrant Greek diaspora in Australia.
