MELBOURNE: On 6 and 7 October 2026, the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) met with nine candidates and sitting Members of Parliament in key electorates ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election, advocating for the priorities and interests of the Armenian-Australian community.
The meetings provided an important opportunity to brief candidates on the community’s identity, culture, contributions and needs, while outlining key policy priorities and discussing opportunities to secure meaningful commitments ahead of the election.
Over two days, the ANC-AU delegation met with the following Victorian MPs and election candidates: Mrs Ann-Marie Hermans MP – Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan; Ms Rachel Payne MP – Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan; Ms Anasina Gray-Barberio MP – Member for Northern Metropolitan; Ms Kylie Rocha – Candidate for Hawthorn; Ms Mikaela Stafrace – Candidate for Caulfield; Mr Paul Schofield – Candidate for Mulgrave; Ms Shima Ibuki – Candidate for Hawthorn; Mr Aaron Qin – Candidate for Box Hill and; Mr Connor Buchanan – Candidate for Mulgrave.
Discussions centred on several key priorities for the Armenian-Australian community, including funding for Armenian community organisations and infrastructure, recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, and greater awareness and support for the people of the Republic of Artsakh.
The ANC-AU highlighted the important role Armenian-Australian community organisations play in preserving cultural heritage, delivering services and strengthening multicultural life across Victoria. The meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing these organisations and the need for sustained government support to ensure they can continue serving current and future generations.
On the issue of genocide recognition, the ANC-AU advocated for principled recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, emphasising the importance of historical truth, justice and the remembrance of the victims and survivors. The delegation also raised the ongoing situation in Artsakh, including the displacement of its Armenian population and the need to uphold the rights, dignity and security of Artsakh Armenians.
The ANC-AU will continue engaging with political parties and candidates throughout the Victorian election campaign to ensure that the Armenian-Australian community’s priorities are heard and considered in the lead-up to polling day.
ANC-AU Political Affairs Director Sebastian Majarian said: “
Engaging with candidates ahead of the Victorian State Election is an important part of ensuring that the Armenian-Australian community has a strong voice in the political process. These meetings allowed us to advocate directly for the issues that matter to our community, from the funding and sustainability of our community organisations to genocide recognition and the ongoing plight of the people of Artsakh.”
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We are grateful to the candidates and Members of Parliament who took the time to meet with us and learn more about our community. The ANC-AU will continue to advocate for meaningful outcomes and work constructively with elected representatives across the political spectrum to advance the interests of Armenian-Australians throughout Victoria.”
Over the coming weeks, the ANC-AU will release its 2026 Victorian Election Report Card, highlighting candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to supporting the Armenian-Australian community, recognising the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, and advocating for the rights and future of the people of Artsakh.
