Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Attorney-General, Senator the Hon. George Brandis. Can the minister update the Senate on developments in Ukraine and Australia's attitude to those developments?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Senator Bernardi, for that important question. The Australian government is gravely concerned by reports of Russian military activity inside Ukraine and by the decision of the Russian parliament to authorise the use of force. Today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs called the Russian ambassador into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Officers of the department conveyed the Australian government's views regarding the escalating situation in Ukraine. The United Nations Security Council has met twice within the last 24 hours to discuss the escalating crisis. Australia has made clear our unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and that the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, is completely unacceptable. Not only would this be contrary to the Charter of the United Nations but, under a series of international agreements to which it is a party, Russia itself has committed to respect Ukraine's sovereignty.

It is vitally important for the international community to take active and deliberate steps to prevent further escalation of tensions. The Australian government urges the Russian government to abide by its international obligations and calls on the government of the Ukraine, as well, to continue its restraint in the face of this provocation. Australia remains in close contact with friends and allies on the situation, including the United Nations Security Council.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I thank the minister and ask a supplementary question. What is the Australian government's view of the steps that should be taken by the international community, and what role is Australia playing in an attempt to resolve the current crisis?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government's view is that it is unacceptable for any nation to threaten the territorial integrity of Ukraine in any way. What needs to be done is to focus on how to step back urgently from the crisis. Clearly, a resolution of tensions will require urgent dialogue. The government is concerned to learn that a request by the new government of Ukraine for urgent talks with the Russian Federation has been rejected. The Australian government urges all parties to keep open the channels of communication. Within the UN Security Council, Australia has supported moves for international mediation, including by the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the European Union. We will continue to support such measures and any useful, necessary measures.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. What advice will the minister give to those Australians planning to travel to the Ukraine?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government's travel advice for Ukraine was re-issued on 1 March. Due to the volatile political situation, particularly in Crimea, and the serious risk of further escalation, with potential for violence, the government has increased the level of its travel advice for Crimea to 'Do not travel'. (Time expired)