The Greek state Minister of Energy and Multicultural Affairs of Victoria, Nicholas Kotsiras, announced his retirement from politics.
Kotsiras announced that he will not be a candidate for the seat of Bulleen. The Greek politician who held the seat for 14 years, said that the main reasons for his retirement are recent health issues and a desire to recover lost time with family. ”Family is very important and I have missed my children growing up.” said Kotsiras.
He chose to announce his decision on January 12, at the quay of the port of Melbourne. The choice of the day and the location was not accidental. It is the place where his parents first arrived in Melbourne from Greece half a century ago in 1964, when he was five years old.
Kotsiras was born in Handrinos village, near Pylos, Greece in 1959. The first years in Melbourne were difficult as he and his family were struggling to survive. He studied and became a teacher and soon after became involved with politics.
He served for many years as an advisor to the former Prime Minister of Victoria, Jeff Kennett and in 1999 he was elected as a member of the State Parliament.
Denis Napthine, leader of the Victorian Liberal-National Coalition and Minister for Racing and Regional Cities, paid tribute to Kotsiras’s work. “Nick is the epitome of achievement for somebody who arrived here a young person, who worked hard, and has really reached the pinnacle in our democratic institution,” said Napthine.