“The Parliamentary Friends of Assyria is a bipartisan group of lawmakers committed to strengthening Australian-Assyrian relations, advancing the human rights of Indigenous Assyrians, advocating for justice, and providing a vital platform to amplify the voices of the Assyrian community."
Parliamentary Friends of Assyria
The Parliamentary Friends of Assyria is an informal, non-partisan group within the NSW Parliament that enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to engage actively with the Assyrian-Australian community. Established on 26 August 2009 by the Assyrian National Council of Australia Inc. (ANCA), the group’s mission is to provide MPs with a dedicated platform to support awareness-raising initiatives, participate in collaborative programs, and foster meaningful dialogue with the Assyrian community.
​
The ANCA acknowledges with gratitude the pivotal role of Mr. Ninos Khoshaba, who was then serving as the State Member for Smithfield. His support and advocacy were instrumental in bringing the concept of the Parliamentary Friends of Assyria to life.
​
Mr. Khoshaba was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the group, alongside the Hon. David Clarke MLC, who served as Co-Chair. Their leadership helped establish the foundation for ongoing engagement between the NSW Parliament and the Assyrian community, promoting a greater understanding of the community's concerns and contributions to Australian society.
​
The present Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Assyria is Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, Member for Prospect.