Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Again I thank Senator Bilyk for her important question. The challenges to Ukraine are apparent, and yesterday's visit was motivated by a high regard for the Australian Electoral Commission and the many staff that run our democracy. The AEC is internationally known for its support of emerging democracies and its close collaboration with partner electorate agencies. This reputation enables the Australian government to include electoral support as a key element of development assistance, including to countries like Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Albanese Labor government believes that Australia has an important role in supporting the development of free and fair democracies, and I'm proud that the AEC plays such a key role in this regard.