Additional Comments from the Australian Greens

1.1Since Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of people have likely died, millions are displaced, and generations of Ukrainians and Russians will forever have to deal with the scars of war and President Putin's actions.

1.2The Ukrainian people need our support and more importantly they need our action.

1.3The Australian Greens urge the global community to Unite for Peace, and agree to support a range of measures by reconvening the United Nations Emergency Special Session and using the power of Resolution 377A(V) to find non-violent mechanisms to end the war.

1.4These mechanisms should include a global ban on the purchase of Russian oil and gas, debt forgiveness for Ukraine, and other targeted sanctions on Russia.

1.5Australia must continue to provide humanitarian aid and assistance for the people that have been affected by this war and provide support and safety for Ukrainians forced to flee.

1.6Australia must also push for debt relief so that our support doesn't provide a burden to the rebuilding of Ukraine that is likely to currently cost over a trillion dollars. This was a key ask of the Ukrainian representative organisations throughout this inquiry.

1.7During the inquiry, people in the Ukrainian diaspora raised very serious concerns about Russian surveillance. Australian security forces must offer adequate support to those facing intimidation.

1.8There was also serious concern expressed over the hundreds of Ukrainians on 786 visas that are nearing their expiry. There must be a clear pathway to permanent protection for Ukrainians in Australia and, at the very least, a renewal of the 786 visas during this time.

1.9The lack of long-term certainty for the thousands of Ukrainians who are here in Australia because of the war is both unnecessary and damaging. With the flick of a pen, the Albanese Government could and should grant them permanent protection in Australia. This will allow the Ukrainian diaspora to more fully contribute to Australian society and give them the strongest possible platform to help their families and friends in Ukraine deal with the impact of that appalling war.

1.10The war on Ukraine and its people reminds us that a nation's sovereignty, freedom and democratic rights can never be taken for granted. This war in Ukraine has been a reminder to all of us that the peace and stability many of us enjoy, is not the reality for so many.

1.11The Australian Greens deeply appreciate the work of the secretariat over the course of this inquiry, as well as the many individuals and organisations who took the time to make a submission or participate in the hearings.