SYDNEY: On May 28th, 2026, the Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Member for Oatley, Mr Mark Coure MP, tabled a notice of motion in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, calling for the Federal Government to recognise the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides.
The Notice of Motion reads as follows:
That this House:- Acknowledges that 24 April 2026 marks the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Empire, which claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians and over a million Greeks and Assyrians.
- Reaffirms its condemnation of the genocide of the Assyrians, Armenians and Greeks.
- Recognises the humanitarian efforts of ANZAC soldiers and Australian civilians who came to the aid of genocide survivors.
- Calls on the Commonwealth Government to formally recognise the genocide of the Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians.
The motion builds on New South Wales' long-standing record of recognising the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides, with both houses of the NSW Parliament having previously passed resolutions acknowledging these crimes against humanity and honouring the memory of their victims.
By calling on the Commonwealth Government to formally recognise the genocides, Mr Coure's motion highlights the growing bipartisan support for federal recognition and underscores the importance of truth, remembrance and the prevention of future atrocities.
The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) welcomed the motion, thanking Mr Coure for his continued leadership and principled advocacy on issues of importance to Armenian-, Assyrian- and Greek-Australians.
ANC-AU Political Affairs Director, Sebastian Majarian, said: “For more than a century, the descendants of genocide survivors have worked tirelessly to ensure that the truth of these atrocities is acknowledged and remembered. Mr Coure's motion is a powerful affirmation that New South Wales stands on the side of historical truth and justice.”
“Recognition is not simply about honouring the victims and survivors of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides. It is also about sending a clear message that crimes against humanity can never be erased, denied or forgotten. We thank Mr Coure for once again demonstrating his unwavering support for our communities and for federal recognition of these genocides.”
The motion is expected to be debated in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly at a future sitting date.
