Australian Labor Party senators' additional comments

Introduction

1.1Labor senators welcome the opportunity presented by the Committee’s inquiry to highlight the significant assistance provided by Australia to Ukraine since the commencement of this conflict.

1.2As with all members of the Committee, we condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the unnecessary aggression and destruction with which it has been carried out, which is completely unacceptable. This is an illegal and immoral invasion which violates international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

1.3We express our gratitude for the submissions made to this inquiry by people who have Ukraine’s best interests at heart and are eager to advance the cause of peace.

1.4Labor senators are particularly conscious of the views expressed by the Senate in the motion moved by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong, at the request of Senators Bilyk and Van that the Senate, observing one year since Russia’s 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine:

(a)deplores the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which continues a pattern of illegal and immoral aggression against Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which has resulted in a toll of destruction, many thousands of human casualties, and the displacement of over 14 million Ukrainians;

(b)condemns:

(i)acts by Russia aimed at destroying the national, cultural, religious and democratic institutions of the Ukrainian people and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and

(ii)Russia for violating international law noting the clear evidence of war crimes being committed against the Ukrainian people;

(c)notes Australia continues to stand with Ukraine against Russian aggression and has provided Ukraine with military and humanitarian support, as well as refuge for displaced people, and will continue to do so; and

(d)reaffirms the eleventh emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly, which also condemned, deplored and expressed grave concern over attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure and reiterates its demand that Russia withdraw from Ukraine’s recognised sovereign territory.[1]

1.5The motion was supported, and all senators present joined in a moment of silence. Earlier this year, Senators Bilyk and Reynolds expressed ongoing support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, through a notice of a motion that the Senate:

(a)notes that 24 August 2024 is Ukraine’s Independence Day;

(b)recognises that Ukraine’s Independence Day is a day to celebrate the rich history, language and culture of Ukraine;

(c)condemns Russia’s illegal, immoral and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine;

(d)recognises that Russia’s full-scale invasion continues a pattern of illegal and immoral aggression against Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including:

(i)interference in Ukrainian politics,

(i)the annexation of Crimea, and

(ii)the backing of separatist militias in Donbas;

(e)congratulates Ukraine on 33 years of independence and democratic rule;

(f)expresses solidarity with the heroes of Ukraine who are risking their lives in defence of their country; and

(g)reaffirms the Senate’s support for Australia’s resolve that it will stand with Ukraine, continuing to provide military and humanitarian support and impose sanctions, for as long as necessary.[2]

1.6We acknowledge the work done by many parliamentarians in Australia to amplify awareness of the conflict and ensure it receives appropriate and necessary political attention. Consistent with the motion and the views of senators, Labor senators continue to stand with Ukraine.

General comments

1.7Labor senators do not accept many aspects of the characterisation by the majority of senators on the Committee of the Australian Government’s ongoing actions in response to the conflict in Ukraine, which have been substantial, ongoing, and bipartisan.

1.8As has been previously stated in response to other reports by this committee, Australians expect that their government will always make decisions on the basis of what is in our national interest. It is right that they should do so. A responsible government carefully balances its interests across the foreign affairs and trade, defence and domestic portfolios. This is particularly important in the context of the cost of living challenges in our economy.

1.9They also expect that to the greatest extent possible foreign policy decisions will be made and executed in a bi-partisan manner. Indeed, it was a commitment to bipartisanship that characterised much of the Australian Labor Party’s own foreign policy decision-making prior to coming to government in 2022.

1.10Labor senators once again regret that unlike previous practice in this committee, no effort was made to ensure the report and the recommendations included within it were agreeable to all members. We also regret the political narrative that is a feature of the commentary included in the majority report. The work of the Committee would be strengthened were a more collaborative approach taken by the majority to ensure the recommendations could enjoy the full weight of a unanimous committee report, which would have been a preferable outcome on a matter of such international significance.

Foreign policy

1.11Labor senators welcome the continuing support of the Australian Government for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We note Australia’s bilateral relationship with Ukraine is at a historic high, with more than $1.3 billion in support.

1.12The war has caused terrible damage and loss of life in Ukraine and is also compounding human suffering and propelling the global crisis in food and energy security. We endorse the ongoing efforts of the Australian Government to work closely with our international partners to assist Ukraine end the war on its own terms and maintain pressure on Russia.

1.13Australia can be proud of its efforts to advance the cause of nuclear safety, global food security and freedom of navigation, and our resolute calls for the exchange of prisoners and return of Ukrainian children, as a signatory to the Joint Communiqué at the Peace Summit held in Switzerland in June 2024.

1.14Labor senators recognise ongoing engagement by the Australian Government with counterparts in Ukraine, including at ministerial level, and welcome the continuing commitment to constructive dialogue to ensure Australia’s actions reflect our national interest and the preferences of Ukraine. The Australian Government has provided $85 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to help meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people, including $31 million in energy and humanitarian assistance, announced in June. Ukraine has welcomed the Australian Government’s support.

1.15It is clear the Australian Government has also maintained its focus on holding Russia to account, along with those providing material support for Russia’s war. As is detailed in the Committee’s report, Australia has imposed targeted financial sanctions to inflict heavy costs on those responsible, listing over 1200 individuals and entities for sanctions and travel bans. Most recently, this included six entities associated with North Korea’s supply of arms and related material to Russia.

1.16Labor senators also acknowledge that Australia has consistently called on China to use its influence to end Russia’s war with Ukraine, which has included concerns being raised about Chinese companies dual-use goods trade with Russia by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs with their Chinese counterparts.

1.17Labor senators accept the evidence of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that it continues to review Australia’s level of representation in Ukraine, including options to relocate Australia’s embassy back to Kyiv, and we recognise the diligent application of work health and safety laws designed to ensure the safety and security of Australian workers, as well as the efforts of Australian diplomatic staff to manage Australia’s interests effectively from neighbouring Poland and through regular engagement with the Embassy of Ukraine in Canberra.

Military assistance

1.18Labor senators recognise the Australian Government has been responsive to the Ukrainian Government’s requests for military assistance. So far, Australia has committed over $1.1 billion in military assistance, having also been recognised as the largest non-NATO contributor of military assistance to Ukraine.[3] In July, the Australian Government announced Australia’s single largest military assistance package, worth around $250 million, which included air defence missiles, anti-tank weapons and small arms ammunition. We note Australian officials receive advice on Ukraine’s emerging military requirements through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which is co-chaired by the United States Defense Secretary and Ukrainian Minister of Defence, and its capability coalitions.

1.19We also note that, as a matter of course, when the Department of Defence undertakes disposal and decommissioning plans for equipment and surplus stock it considers whether the materiel can be provided to Ukraine. Labor senators recognise Defence has provided Ukraine with a range of material from Australian Defence Force stores including but not limited to:

air-to-ground weapons,

anti-tank weapons,

artillery,

armoured vehicles,

rigid hull inflatable boats.

1.20In July, at the NATO Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., the Deputy Prime Minister made the welcome announcement that Australia would join NATO’s new security and training initiative for Ukraine as an operational partner. Australian Defence Force members will make a valuable contribution to training Ukrainian troops, enhance relationships with NATO partners, and also learn about different tactics, operation planning considerations, and insights into capability developments and innovation in conflict.

1.21Labor senators also highlight the two Australian industry packages provided to Ukraine. The $50 million package announced on 27 April 2024 and the $20 million package announced on 25 October 2023 were well received by Ukraine and in some instances, Ukrainian forces have worked with those Australian companies to find ways to further develop the capacity gifted capabilities in country to yield even greater benefit and utility.

Conclusion

1.22Once again, Labor senators thank those who have contributed to the Committee’s inquiry. We place on record our ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine to end the war on its own terms.

Footnotes

[1]Journals of the Senate, No. 33, 6 March 2023, pp. 997-998.

[2]Senate Notice Paper, No. 126, 22 August 2024, p. 9.

[3] Kiel Institute, Germany, 30 June 2024.