Jim Miltiades Samios was born in Brisbane two years after his family migrated to Queensland from the Greek island of Kythira. His public contribution included almost 19 years as a member of the NSW Parliament, and extended nationally through his work with bodies such as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the Ethnic Communities Council of New South Wales and the Migrant Settlement Council of New South Wales.

In 1989, when he was a member of the NSW Parliament, Jim moved the racial vilification clauses in the State’s anti-discrimination legislation that were adopted.

He was also responsible to the then Premier for the creation of the Charter of Principles for a Culturally Diverse Society that evolved into the multicultural principles contained in the Multicultural Act 2000.