MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
UKRAINE INDEPENDENCE DAY 2022
In Ukraine’s mighty national anthem, Shche ne vmerla Ukraina, we hear a hymn to
freedom that has united the Ukrainian people for generations. Today, as you mark your
31st year of independence, Australia stands with Ukraine in your struggle to defend your
homeland, preserve freedom, and achieve peace.
Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s brutal invasion is a test of the world’s commitment
to the ideals of democracy and the integrity of international borders. Australia’s solidarity
with Ukraine rests in our belief that international law must prevail to preserve the
sovereignty of all nations and uphold the basic human value of self-determination.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Australia’s Parliament in March invited
Australia to aid Ukraine in defying those who would destroy its mriya – its dream – of
freedom. My message of support when I visited Kyiv in July was unequivocal and
steadfast – we are proud to commit military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
On your Independence Day, Australia celebrates the contribution of Australians of
Ukrainian descent, and the more than 3,800 Ukrainians we have welcomed since February
this year. You share gifts of culture, faith and history that enrich us all. We are one with
you, and we share in your sorrow at the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine.
Together, we celebrate the bonds of humanity through which we will surely find the peace
we seek.
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Prime Minister of Australia
24 August 2022
Original Messages from Prime Minister and Other Australian Polititians
From The Hon Anthony Albanese, MP, Prime Minister of Australia:
From The Hon Andrew Giles, MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs:
From The Hon Ros Spence, MP, Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs:
From The Hon Dominic Perrottet, MP, Premier of NSW, and The Hon Mark Coure, MP, Minister for Multiculturalism:
From The Hon Peter Malinuaskas, MP, Premier of South Australia, and The Hon Zoe Bettison, MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs of South Australia:
From The Hon David Speirs, MP, Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party and The Hon Jing Lee, MLC, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council:
