Ash Ambihaipahar (Barton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak about Russia's ongoing and illegal invasion of Ukraine. For my community in Barton, this war is not a far-off conflict. Many Ukrainians now call Barton home, having fled the violence of war. Their stories remind us that this invasion is not just about geopolitics; it is about people. Key groups like the Migrant Resource Centre and Reverend Steve Bryan, from St John's Anglican Church, have been important in supporting many Ukrainians being displaced by this war—families who want safety, children who deserve peace and communities that long to rebuild. These two groups help these new community members connect with employers, provide them with groceries to help them get on their feet and advocate on their behalf. They are essential to making sure that their transition into the community is smooth, safe and surrounded by support.

Just last month, on 23 August, I had the privilege of attending the Ukrainian Council of New South Wales independence day celebration, led by its president, Andrew Mencinsky. It was a powerful event celebrating not only Ukraine's independence and freedom but also its strength, love, art and culture. It included a showcase of traditional Ukrainian costumes, modelled proudly across the stage. They captured the theme of the event perfectly: spirit in colour. We also heard a powerful poem by Illia Kyrychenko, who fled Ukraine with his family in 2022. He mourned all the children lost, many of whom are still missing. Even in the face of war, the Ukrainian people show us their resilience and their pride. Their resilience lives in our community in Barton.

Australia has stood strongly with Ukraine since the earliest days of this conflict. To date, we have provided more than $1.5 billion in support, including $1.3 billion in military assistance, making us the largest non-NATO contributor of military aid to Ukraine. We have also delivered more than $85 million in humanitarian assistance, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive help and hope. In August, our commitment was demonstrated once again when Australia deployed a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe with up to 150 ADF personnel under Operation Kudu. Their mission is to protect a critical international gateway for humanitarian and military assistance into Ukraine. These contributions matter. They save lives, they strengthen Ukraine's defence and they send a clear signal: Australia will not sit by while international law is crushed.

We have also imposed a thorough and strict suite of more than 1,500 sanctions and trade measures against Russia. These measures make sure that Russia pays a heavy price for its illegal invasion. They deny it access to Australian markets and prevent us from inadvertently funding Putin's war machine. Most recently, the Albanese government has imposed two new waves of targeted sanctions against 44 individuals and entities across Russia's critical industries and on 60 shadow fleet vessels used to move Russian oil. These steps are designed to starve Russia's war economy of oil revenue, the very lifeblood of its aggression.

Australia does not act alone. The role of the United States and our European allies has been crucial in supporting Ukraine's defence of its sovereignty. We welcome President Trump working with President Zelenskyy and European leaders towards a deal that can end this illegal and immoral war and restore stability in Europe. But Putin must show he's serious about peace. Any settlement must be just, lasting and comprehensive.

Australia has a proud convention of peacekeeping yielding back more than 80 years. As the Prime Minister has said, the Albanese Labor government remains open to considering any future request to contribute to peacekeeping efforts if it supports a just and enduring peace for Ukraine.

This war is more than Ukraine; it's about the world we want to live in, one where, regardless of size or power, no country dominates and no country is dominated. Australia and Ukraine continue to stand side-by-side, and we will continue to support Ukraine until a peace is secured that is fair, stable and respectful of their sovereignty and freedom. For the Ukrainian community in Barton, for the people I joined in celebration on their independence day and for all who believe in a rules based international order, our message is very clear: Australia stands with Ukraine. You will always have a home in our community.

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