Wednesday 25 May 2022
MEDIA RELEASE
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has welcomed Australia’s new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Albanese’s comments at the Quad Summit on Tuesday that the Russian “unilateral, illegal, immoral attack on the people of Ukraine is an outrage, with the atrocities being committed on innocent civilians something that we couldn’t have expected in the 21st century”.
“We fully support the PM’s comments expressed at the Quad Summit. We look forward to the Albanese Government continuing to support Ukraine and providing the necessary aid to fight Russian aggression in Ukraine,” said Mr Stefan Romaniw OAM, Co-Chair of the AFUO.
The AFUO has written to the PM and new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, congratulating them on their election and observing that whilst in Opposition, the ALP had supported Ukraine and the efforts of the AFUO, together with endorsing the Morrison Government’s assistance for Ukraine.
“Whilst in Opposition, the ALP provided bipartisan support for the Australian response to Russia’s flagrant breaching of the international rules based order. This position showed respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and democratic values.
“We look forward to an ongoing relationship with the new Government in planning for Australia’s strategic support for Ukraine and for displaced Ukrainians who have arrived in Australia,” said Mr Romaniw.
The AFUO has requested to meet with the PM and Minister for Foreign Affairs as soon as practically possible, and has called for the re-establishment of the Australia Ukrainian Parliamentary Friendship Group headed by Senators Catryna Bilyk and David Van.
The AFUO has also written to the former PM Scott Morrison, and former Ministers Marise Payne, Alex Hawke and Peter Dutton, thanking them for their support whilst in Government.
Media inquiries:
Stefan Romaniw: Mobile 0419 531 255
