Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

Customs Tariff Proposal (No. 3) 2023.

Customs Tariff Proposal (No. 3) 2023 proposes to amend section 18B of the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to extend for a further 12 months the concessional treatment of imported goods that are the produce or manufacture of Ukraine. From 4 July 2022, these goods, other than petroleum, fuel, tobacco and alcohol products, have been able to claim a free rate of customs duty on import. This was due to end on 3 July 2023. The goods will now be able to continue to access concessional treatment until 3 July 2024.

The extension of concessional treatment supports Ukraine's continued participation in international trade and will contribute to its reconstruction and recovery. Australia has stood with Ukraine since Russia's illegal invasion 17 months ago. We are very proud to be one of the largest non-NATO contributors to and supporters of Ukraine. This extension forms part of a $110 million package of assistance that was announced by the Prime Minister on 26 June 2023 to help Ukraine defend its territorial integrity and to meet the humanitarian needs of its population.

Australia unambiguously condemns Russia's illegal, immoral and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We support Ukraine's territorial sovereignty, integrity and enduring right as a democracy to self-determination. Australia will continue to uphold a rules based international order that ensures not just the security of Ukraine and other countries in Europe but, indeed, our own. I commend this proposal to the House.

Debate adjourned.

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