Rob Mitchell (McEwen, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to talk on this motion about Ukraine. What's important when we talk about this is the Australian government's commitment and support, which have been steadfast and reliable, for the people of Ukraine. Ukraine's strength, in the face of this illegal invasion, is a testament to that nation's endurance. That's why we have been steadfast in our continued support. Such an egregious breach of sovereignty unites Australians behind the efforts to support our allies. We marvel at their endurance and their spirit as they fight for their culture, for their livelihoods and for democracy, which is why the Albanese Labor government has continued to provide support through our words, our sanctions and, most importantly, our financial aid to Ukraine.

Our support for the Ukrainian government should be above politics, but it's not. The member who proposed this motion has been fairly consistently engaged with the issue of the Russian invasion into Ukraine—and I give him that. But, while we get these cheap words, there's a lack of acknowledgement of what the Australian government has done and continues to do, which is outstanding. This shouldn't be a political football, something for the opposition to kick about whenever they want to crank up their rhetoric, especially when their own party is infiltrated by pro-Russian supporters. It is hypocrisy, but at this point it's to be expected.

We shouldn't expect much more when we have people like Senator Antic—the top of the Senate ticket for South Australia, their No. 1 choice—parading on the Senate floor talking about 'the little fellow from Ukraine, whatever his name is'. That's an appalling statement to make. You'd think he'd realise, 'I've made a blue,' and maybe move on, but no. Following that, when it was mentioned, he said, 'Who cares?' That is the No. 1 person that Peter Dutton—the member for Dixon and Leader of the Opposition—wants in the Senate, and that is what he's saying about the President of Ukraine.

To come in with a motion like this is just utter hypocrisy. They accuse the government of not doing enough, when we've continually reaffirmed Australia's commitment to Ukraine. In case you missed it, we recently provided Australia's largest single military assistance package, worth just under $250 million. This package, communicated to Ukraine's President Zelenskyy—alongside the 'Indo-Pacific four' partners—at the recent NATO summit in Washington, reflects our ongoing commitment. It puts us on a par with many of our allies, not only those in our region but also our European friends. This assistance reflects the national resolve, as an ally and a friend, to repel this illegal invasion. Our military package includes defence missiles, air-to-ground weapons—including guided weapons—anti-tank weapons, artillery, mortar, canon, small-arms ammunition and even shipments of boots, ensuring that the men and women of Ukraine's armed forces can continue their efforts on the front line.

Since the conflict started, Australia has imposed more than 1,200 sanctions in response to Russia's full-scale invasion. These sanctions have reflected the Australian government's position that those supporting Russia's illegal war will face consequences. As the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence has said:

We stand with Ukraine in support of its courageous people and also in defence of a fundamental principle—the right of every sovereign nation to be secure in its own borders and to determine its own future.

These actions not only align with this government's consistent foreign policy and stance on global issues but also reflect the views of Australians. Just recently, the Lowy Institute put out polling that shows that, as of 2024, 62 per cent of Australians strongly support keeping strict sanctions on Russia. An additional 24 per cent indicated that they are supportive of sanctions. The Australian people are with us on that. The international community are with us on that. The only people complaining are the opposition. We'll continue our commitment to protect innocent civilians in Ukraine. But the next time you see the opposition come into this chamber, and accuse the government of not doing enough for Ukraine, it would be great if their backbenchers could denounce Senator Antic's words and the view that he put forward.

I had the honour of being able to listen, along with the member for Fisher, to President Zelenskyy at the United Nations last year—to hear from a man who was genuinely fighting for his people. You'd think that this parliament would support that. I look forward to the Liberals getting up, saying 'Antic is wrong' and supporting Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.

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