Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Special Minister of State, Senator Farrell. I refer to Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and the impact the war is having on the country, its sovereignty, its people and, of course, its democracy, especially after we've just witnessed a shocking so-called election in Russia. Can the minister tell the Senate how the Albanese Labor government is supporting Ukraine to protect its democracy in the face of Russia's illegal invasion?

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

I thank Senator Bilyk for her question and her very deep interest in the fate of the brave people of Ukraine. For more than two years, since Russia's illegal and immoral invasion, Australia has continued to strongly support Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity. We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian community. Recently, along with Senator Birmingham, I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with members of the South Australian Ukraine community on the steps of the state parliament.

The reality for Ukrainians is that their country is under attack and elections have had to be deferred. But the Central Election Commission is preparing for the delivery of the first elections after this conflict has ended. Yesterday I was privileged to meet with the chairman of the Central Election Commission, Mr Oleh Didenko, and a member of the Central Election Commission, Mr Sergii Postivyi. The commission has a complex and challenging job in delivering the first election after the war with Russia has ended. The Albanese Labor government is committed to supporting Ukraine in this, a goal that I am confident all members of the Albanese Labor government are completely behind.

Sadly, given the comments of some Liberal senators in this place about Ukraine's fight against Russia, it is clear the same unanimous support does not exist in other parties. However, I am proud to have pledged my support for Ukraine in ensuring that they can again hold fair and safe elections in an effort to restore effective democracy to Ukraine and its people.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Bilyk, first supplementary?

Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you for that answer, Minister. I do hope all of us here echo your support to the commission to see elections being able to be held in Ukraine. Australia's democracy is strong, and the Australian Electoral Commission does important work with other countries to support democracy internationally. Can the minister also share with the chamber how the Albanese Labor government supports democratic processes internationally?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to 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.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Bilyk, second supplementary?

Catryna Bilyk (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the minister for that answer. Australians are rightly proud of their electoral system and the strength of our democracy. Can the minister update the Senate on what the Albanese Labor government is doing to make our system even stronger?

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

I thank Senator Bilyk for her second supplementary question. The Australian electoral system is the envy of the world, but it can and should be strengthened. The Albanese Labor government have been clear that we will legislate reforms in response to the recommendations of the recent Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters inquiry. I'm consulting across the parliament and continue to invite any parliamentarian with an interest in strengthening our democracy to consult with the government on our proposed reforms. Unlike some in this parliament, we intend to progress reforms to strengthen our democracy rather than simply grandstand. It is clear that we must stop billionaires attempting to buy our elections, and I look forward to support across the parliament to achieve this aim.