Unfortunate decisions have been made by the Italian Government to close 21 Consulates around the World. Brisbane's and Adelaide's Italian Consulates are on that list. Are we Australian-Italians opposing this decision? SA Labour Member Mr Tony Piccolo speaks out.

ITALIAN GOVERNMENT ABANDONING ITS MIGRANTS SAYS MP      

The Italian Government has been accused of abandoning Italian migrants once again by its decision to close the consular
offices in Adelaide and Brisbane.

Speaking in State Parliament yesterday SA Labour Member Mr Tony Piccolo said the decision was “shameful” and would
hurt Italy’s reputation overseas.

Mr Piccolo told parliament that the “Italian political system” had a history of abandoning its people which explains why
over 26 million Italians have migrated from Italy since unification.   

Mr Piccolo told Parliament migrants had assisted Italy by leaving their nation where economic hardship was common and
spread the Italia culture across the world.

“Italian migrants have spread Italian culture across the world and helped promote trade between Italy and their new
home countries” said Mr Piccolo.

“It is somewhat ironic that the Italian Government should shut down the Adelaide consulate at a time when the SA Gov-
ernment is increasing its investment in promoting Italian culture and trade”

As the Premier has stated “The consulate is not just an office: it provides an important facilitating role, helping to bring
community organisations together.  

“Without that, it could impact significantly on the Australian-Italian community.” he said

Mr Piccolo told Parliament “As new and emerging immigrant communities settle in Australia, their needs will attract
growing government attention.”

“While this is natural and appropriate, we must work together to ensure that established communities like the Italian-
Australian community are not forgotten or left behind.” Mr Piccolo said.

“By closing the Italian consulates in Adelaide and Brisbane, that is exactly what the Italian government is doing: enabling
people to forget that we are here and how important we are and the contribution we have made as a group to Austra-
lia.”  

“By reducing the number of consulates, it reduces access to services and the Italian government.”

“This decision will not only damage Italy's reputation in Adelaide and across Australia but also across the world at a time
when Italy is trying to play a more important and significant role in international affairs, as it should.”

“It is one of the great nations in this world alongside Australia.”  

“Ironically, as Italy seeks to play an important role internationally, it is now seeking to reduce its role in those communi-
ties where it has the most support in places like Adelaide and Brisbane “

“Support for Italian migrants abroad, as I mentioned, has been variable over the years and has significantly improved re-
cently; I include South Australia and Australia as well.”

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