Veteran Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou to Retire, Endorses Basem Abdo as Successor

The long-serving Labor member of Parliament, Maria Vamvakinou, has made the decision to retire from politics after serving the constituents of Calwell in Melbourne for over two decades. Vamvakinou, known for her vocal support for various causes including the Palestinian issue, announced her retirement plans to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressing her desire to step away from political life.

Having been the first Greek Australian woman elected to Federal Parliament, Vamvakinou shared her journey from arriving in Australia as a child from Lefkada to becoming a prominent figure in Australian politics. Her advocacy for diversity in political representation and her unwavering support for causes close to multicultural communities have defined her tenure.

In her official endorsement for her replacement, Vamvakinou threw her support behind Basem Abdo, a Palestinian-Australian who has worked closely with her on various initiatives. Abdo, born in Kuwait to parents from a village in the occupied West Bank, has a strong background in advocating for Palestinian rights and issues.

Vamvakinou emphasized the importance of recognizing Palestine and achieving a two-state solution, stating that it is crucial for peace in the region. She expressed hope that a future Labor government would take steps towards recognizing Palestinian statehood to facilitate a pathway to peace.

While Abdo’s preselection is pending, there is significant support for him within Labor’s socialist left faction. With a diverse background and a deep understanding of the Palestinian conflict, Abdo represents a new generation of leaders that Vamvakinou believes will resonate with the multicultural electorate of Calwell.