Jenny Mikakos makes diaspora first

The MP will now become the Minister for Families, Children and Youth Affairs, after the new government was sworn in at Government House.

Ms Mikakos, who in opposition was Shadow Minister for Community Services, Shadow Minister for Children, and Shadow Minister for Seniors and Ageing, will be the first female minister of Greek heritage to have served in either state or federal parliaments.

At Labor's first caucus meeting since the election, the Victorian Premier-elect announced his cabinet is to include nine women and 13 men.

Bill Papastergiadis, president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne paid tribute to Minister-elect Mikakos, telling Neos Kosmos that she had been “at the forefront on dealing with community matters.”

"We wholeheartedly support her ascension to the ministry,” said Mr Papastergiadis, who added that he hoped the new Labor Government would appoint at least two MPs of Greek background to ministerial duties “given the Greek community's relevance/vibrancy and proportional representation within the population in Victoria"

Greece’s Ambassador to Australia Mr Haris Dafaranos said he was delighted to hear the news of Ms Mikakos’ inclusion in the Andrews Cabinet.

“I salute her as a personality and it is with a great sense of pride that I acknowledge her place in history as the first female Australian minister of Greek heritage.

“I have no doubt she will lead by example and do her absolute best for all Victorians and of course the Greek Australian community.”