Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) president Bill Papastergiadis OAM recently met with
the Greek Minister for Health, Adonis Georgiadis with whom he discussed the unresolved
matter of a Bilateral Health Agreement between Australia and Greece.
The Minister was emphatic in his reply to Mr Papastergiadis on the topic declaring “yes, we
support the GCM in its endeavours to secure a bilateral health agreement between Greece
and Australia. I will work with the GCM and the Australian Government to achieve this”.
The GCM has for a number of years been working on such an agreement.
Mr Papastergiadis reiterated to the Minister in their meeting that “the effect of such an
agreement is to support our respective citizens when travelling and being in their most
vulnerable state, that is experiencing ill health while overseas”.
Mr Papastergiadis emphasised the importance of an Agreement that “would allow our
citizens, particularly the elderly, to have peace of mind whilst in Greece. The bond between
Australia and Greece stretches beyond our mutual support as allies in two world wars.
Through significant waves of migration, Greeks call both lands home. Our two countries
have shared values and ideals. Further developing these ties by way of bilateral agreements
is critical to this relationship. Such agreements have a real benefit to our citizens”
