The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) breathed a big sigh of relief on Monday, when the Hellenic Parliament ratified the bilateral agreement between Australia and Greece.
The Work and Holiday Visa was a significant issue on the organisation’s agenda, with staff working tirelessly for the past four years on the matter.
The new agreement between the two nations will benefit hundreds of young Greek and Australian nationals aged 30 and under, granting them the right to work for up to 12 months.
Contributing to the successful passing of the bill, in 2011, the GCM formed a committee in consultation with other Greek community organisations to assess the issues arising with the increase of Greek migration to Australia.
Comprising members from the Greek Australian community, they met with the then Federal Minister of Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen, a number of times, during which they agreed on the pursuit of a bilateral agreement.
Following the parliament’s decision on Monday, president of the GCM Bill Papastergiadis took the opportunity to formally reflect on the news.
“Despite the delays and the difficulties, we never gave up,” said Mr Papastergiadis.
“We continually made representations to both governments and particularly to Greece. The result overnight reflects how the GCM in consultation with others can effect government change here and in Greece.”
He went on to thank all of the Greek organisations, including Greek-speaking media, for their ongoing supporting on the matter, and made special mention of politicians Chris Bowen and Maria Vamvakinou.
