Joint statement:
- The Hon Andrew Hastie MP, Shadow Minister for Defence
The Coalition welcomes the announcement of an additional $50 million contribution to the International Fund to Ukraine (IFU) as we approach two years since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and immoral war against Ukraine.
The Opposition wholeheartedly supports Ukraine’s defence against Russia and recognises that our Ukrainian friends need our support.
Ukraine’s fight is also a fight to respect the sovereignty of all nations and the strong support of democracies for Ukraine, including from Australia, is critical to demonstrate our shared strength and to deter others who may be emboldened by Russia’s actions.
Today’s announcement builds on the more than $285 million in military and humanitarian assistance delivered under the former Coalition government.
While financial assistance is welcome, the Albanese Government is yet to clarify why it chose not to donate Australia’s out of service MRH-90 Taipan helicopters to Ukraine, as requested by the Ukrainian Ambassador in December.
It follows revelations that Labor has been sitting on a request for more Australian coal shipments for months.
Senate Estimates also revealed that the $50 million commitment would come out of the already strained Defence budget – another sign of a Defence Minister that is cannibalising his own department.
While this decision has bipartisan support, it is inadequate against the reasonable and repeated requests from Ukraine for specific assistance. And despite constant promises of support from the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the reality is that Australia’s contribution has fallen under the Albanese Government when compared to that of other non-NATO members.
The Coalition calls on the Albanese Government to explain why it refuses to send our Taipans and additional coal to Ukraine and awaits full details of this announcement.