Julian Hill (Bruce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The general debate was on climate change, and then there was an urgency debate, which, unsurprisingly, was on Ukraine. It's a pity it wasn't held after the election—Australia participating in an international forum on climate change—because we might have had a bit more to say and might have helped our international standing to recover, but it's been terrific to see the new government and the Prime Minister out there starting to repair the damage of a decade of neglect and the damage to our international relationships from a lack of action for nearly a decade on climate change.

On 23 March 2022, the assembly adopted an emergency item—submitted by our friend and neighbour New Zealand—relating to the peaceful resolution of the war in Ukraine, respecting international law, the Charter of the United Nations and territorial integrity. I understand from reading the report that there were three proposed urgent items submitted for debate and that all of those related to Ukraine. I think the New Zealand formulation provided the best space within the international community for delegates and countries to participate.

I've just got a two-minute warning from the member for Dunkley. We may be graced with someone far greater than us—you never know—at about 12.45.

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