Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Before making my remarks, I want to pay tribute to my good friend Senator Bilyk and to Senator Van. The way they have come together in order to provide leadership to the friends of Ukraine is just an outstanding example of what this place does at its best. Thank you very much.

On 25 February 2023, I attended a rally in King George Square in my home state of Brisbane. In that place, in King George Square in Brisbane, the Ukrainian spirit was there for all to see and feel. It was there in King George Square—the spirit of freedom, democracy, sovereignty—a spirit that has survived the horrors of the Stalinist Soviet Union, which survived World War II and which now, against all odds, is surviving.

Also in that square, with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, were brothers and sisters from Iran, representing the Iranian community. There were representatives from our wonderful Vietnamese community, our African community and our Indian community. The very, very best of Australia was in that square in Brisbane on Saturday 25 February 2023.

There were also leaders from all major parties. Graham Perrett MP was there, my local member. I was there, representing the coalition. Cameron Dick was there, representing the state Labor government. David Crisafulli MP, the state opposition leader, was there. The deputy mayor of Brisbane was there. There was a unity of purpose in that square on that day. It was the very, very best of Australia.

I say to the Ukrainian people: please know that we are standing with you, shoulder to shoulder, on this journey. In doing so, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with everyone in the world who believes in freedom, who believes in democracy, who believes in a rules based international order. We are there for this journey, for the long term, until it comes to an end and peace and sovereignty reign once more in Ukraine.