Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I acknowledge in the chamber for my contribution today His Excellency the Ambassador of Ukraine and my parliamentary colleagues serving the nation of Ukraine. It's a pleasure to have you here in the chamber with us today.

On 24 February we marked four years of Russia's illegal and immoral full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It has been four years of unprovoked Russian aggression against a sovereign democratic neighbour, in flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter. Australia is a steadfast nation in its commitment to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. We've committed over $1.7 billion in total assistance, including $1.5 billion in military support, making Australia Ukraine's largest non-NATO contributor of military assistance.

Australia has now put strict financial sanctions and travel bans in place for over 1,800 individuals and entities and 200 shadow fleet vessels. We've lowered the oil price cap and taken other measures to impose costs and limit Russia's ability to fund its war.

Last week the government announced our single largest sanctions package since the invasion began. These sanctions listings target the finance and banking, oil and gas, transportation, defence, aeronautical, and science and technology sectors. Australia also expects businesses to prevent their supply chains from inadvertently funding Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. The government has made our expectations clear to industry and is taking further action to starve Russia's war machine of oil revenue.

I acknowledge the support of 58 senators around this chamber in endorsing notice of motion No. 408, which reaffirms Australia's longstanding, steadfast and bipartisan support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. (Time expired)