David Van Victoria, Liberal Party
2:53 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Farrell. Minister, have all of the 90 Bushmasters promised by Australia to Ukraine on 8 April and 27 October 2022 been delivered?
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
Thank you, Senator Van, for that question. Off the top of my head, I don't know the answer to that question, but I will make some inquiries after question time with the defence minister to get a confirmation of where we are on that issue. Australia, of course, has been very supportive of not only the people of Ukraine but the government of Ukraine in this terrible fight that they now have with the Russians. I don't think, outside the NATO members, there's been a stronger supporter of the people of Ukraine—
David Van Victoria, Liberal Party
Minister, you know that's not true, don't you?
David Van Victoria, Liberal Party
On a point of order—he's misleading the Senate.
Sue Lines President
That's not a point of order, Senator Van. Please resume your seat. Minister, did you wish to continue?
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
Yes, thank you, President. The significant scale of Australian military assistance means that we are still delivering items and will continue to do so over the coming months. For context, the scale of our support includes over 100 vehicles and heavy artillery. We've already flown more than 30 C-17 and Ukrainian Antonov flights with assistance from Australia. Delivering items from the other side of the world, of course, as you might appreciate, is an immense logistical effort, but this government is prepared to continue to do that. Of course, one of the first things that our Prime Minister did, on becoming Prime Minister, was visit Kyiv and visit the President of Ukraine. Rest assured— (Time expired)
David Van Victoria, Liberal Party
2:55 pm
Minister, what promised Australian military assistance for Ukraine remains outstanding?
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
2:56 pm
Again, Senator Van, I'm very happy to consult with the Minister for Defence after question time and get an answer for you on that question. Can I say this: as I started to say before, the people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine have no greater supporters than the Australian government and the Australian people. We have demonstrated, both through the visits that our Prime Minister has made to Ukraine and by the ongoing military and other forms of support, that we continue to deplore the actions of the Russian government under Putin, and we continue to ensure that we support the people of Ukraine. (Time expired)
David Van Victoria, Liberal Party
2:27 pm
Minister, given Australia's proven ability to previously manage diplomatic representation in difficult environments, like Kabul and Baghdad, will the government reopen our embassy in Kyiv?
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
2:57 pm
Thank you, Senator Van. The situation in Ukraine remains extremely complex and challenging. In light of rigorous safety and security assessments, the embassy continues to operate remotely from Warsaw. DFAT is keeping this decision under review. The embassy is managing Australia's interests effectively in Warsaw, including the provision of consular services. There's nothing that we will do that seeks to politically influence this decision.