Ms Tough noted that Australian soldiers captured by Ottoman forces during the First World War were among the first international witnesses to the persecution and mass killings being inflicted upon the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek populations. She further acknowledged the efforts of Australians on the home front, who raised funds, donated supplies and supported relief initiatives for survivors, including the establishment of orphanages across the Middle East.
Importantly, Ms Tough expressed her support for a petition currently before the ACT Legislative Assembly, which calls on the ACT Government to incorporate education on the 1915 Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides into the ACT history curriculum. She also highlighted the extraordinary efforts of local communities in building strong support for the petition.
Ms Tough's statement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of remembrance, education and recognition in ensuring that the lessons of these crimes against humanity are never forgotten.
The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) & the Greek community of Canberra welcomed the speech, with ANC-AU Political Affairs Director, Sebastian Majarian, saying: “Ms Tough's statement demonstrates the important role elected representatives can play in preserving historical truth and standing against genocide denial. Recognition, remembrance and education are essential not only for honouring the victims of the genocide, but also for ensuring future generations understand the consequences of hatred, discrimination and impunity.
