Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lambie for her question. The issues that she raises are deeply serious in terms of the actions that are being taken by Russia in Ukraine. A number of acts have been identified, and Senator Lambie has referred to those. The catastrophic humanitarian toll is growing, as we know. There has been a reference to the International Criminal Court, which Australia supported, and that international court will make its assessment. There has also been a decision by the International Court of Justice which enables investigations of these matters to begin now, and my understanding is that work will be underway as a result of that International Court of Justice question.

But, to be clear—as Senator Lambie, indeed, has been—the bombing of a school where it is known that hundreds of civilians are sheltering; the forced deportation of Ukraine residents, particularly from Mariupol to Russia; an air strike on a theatre where it is known that civilians are sheltering; the bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol; and the damaging of over 460 schools and over 40 health facilities in Ukraine indicate that these are matters of criminal behaviour in wartime. That is the reference which will be considered. That is the reference that Australia supported and supports, and I will continue to do that on behalf of all members of this Senate.