A Maltese man and long-term member of Australia’s New South Wales Parliament, John Aquilina, was awarded the Order of Services by the Slovenian government.

The former Australian Labour Minister, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Leader of the House of NSW, was deemed to be a true friend of the Slovenian community in Australia, in time of need.

By the decree of the Slovenian President, Mr Aquilina was honoured with a presidential certificate and medal for his support to the Slovenian community in Australia.

The former Speaker facilitated close ties to their homeland and fostered Slovenian-Australian relations.

The ceremony took place last week during a reception celebrating the national day of Slovenia, in Canberra.

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