The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has today launched its inaugural Ukraine Policy Scorecard, providing the Ukrainian-Australian community — and all Australians — with a clear assessment of where the major political parties and select candidates stand on key issues related to Ukraine and Australia’s response to Russia’s illegal and brutal invasion.
The Scorecard evaluates major parties and a range of candidates on critical areas that are essential to Australia’s support for Ukraine, including military assistance, humanitarian support, sanctions against Russia, and enduring advocacy for Ukraine. (See below for the full question set)
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie and the Australian Labor Party lead the list of ‘Ambitious’ supporters, closely followed by Senator David Pocock, the Coalition, independent MP Helen Haines, and independent candidate Clare Miles in the ‘Supportive’ category.
Kateryna Argyrou, Chair of the AFUO, said the scorecard is a “vital tool for Australian voters to make informed decisions ahead of the federal election this weekend.”
“The Australian public still overwhelmingly supports Ukraine in its existential fight against Russia, so we were heartened to find that most parties and candidates reflect this strong community sentiment. Our community feels confident that there remains deep commitment to really helping Ukraine in securing a just and lasting peace,” said Ms. Argyrou.
“The Scorecard is not just a snapshot of past behaviour or promises — it’s a benchmark for accountability. Our community expects words to be backed by action, and we will continue advocating to ensure Ukraine stays a priority on the policy agenda in the next term of Parliament.”
“What happens in Ukraine matters, and it has never needed partners like Australia more than it does today.” said Ms. Argyou.
Ukraine Policy Survey questions — 2025 federal election
1. Do you support the creation of a Ukraine Support Coordination Office within the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet to lead a whole-of-government and whole-of-country (for businesses, charities and individuals) response to Ukraine’s needs?
2. Australia is the largest single-country importer of laundered Russian fossil fuels (according to CREA), despite officially banning Russian oil. This is a moral failure, a national security contradiction, and a solvable problem. Will you take action to stop Australia importing fuel refined from Russian crude given its role in backdoor funding of Putin’s war?
3. Do you support the development of a legal framework to enable the seizure and repurposing of frozen Russian sovereign assets in Australia for Ukraine’s recovery?
4. Do you support setting a benchmark of at least 0.025% of Australia’s GDP for annual assistance to Ukraine, recognising both our national interest and international responsibility? (Note: This figure is double what we currently provide, but is less than half the proportion of GDP that Canada—a similar-sized economy—has committed to Ukraine.)
5. Do you support establishing a dedicated federal budget line for Ukraine aid, to overcome delays and competition within departmental funding processes?
6. Australia has a proud record of contributing to international peacekeeping efforts, including in East Timor, Solomon Islands and Kosovo. Would you support deploying Australian personnel as part of any credible international peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, should one be established with international consensus?
7. Do you support requiring all retired or surplus ADF equipment to be assessed for potential deployment to Ukraine as a standard and transparent part of the disposal process?
8. More than 19,000 Ukrainian children have been unlawfully taken to Russia or occupied territories since the full-scale invasion began, according to the Ukrainian Government and international investigators. Do you support efforts to secure the return of abducted Ukrainian children and unlawfully detained prisoners of war taken by Russia?
9. Do you support the development of a formal Australian Government strategy to assist with Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction? (This may include opportunities for Australian businesses to contribute to infrastructure, energy and technology projects, as well as fostering greater collaboration between Australian and Ukrainian health systems in areas such as trauma rehabilitation, mental health care, and disability services for war-affected Ukrainians.)
10. Do you support deeper collaboration between the Australian and Ukrainian defence industries, including co-development of drone, anti-drone and electronic warfare technologies in light of the many lessons on modern warfare learned by Ukraine?
11. The Z symbol has been widely displayed on Russian tanks and military equipment in Ukraine and is also used by pro-Putin supporters in Australia. Do you support banning the pro-war “Z” symbol under federal law, classifying it as a hate symbol which glorifies aggression and incites hatred?
12. Will you commit to clearly and consistently articulating why Australia supports Ukraine—framing it as a defence of democracy, international law, and Indo-Pacific stability—and actively countering Russian disinformation in public debate?
13. Will you commit to providing support to community and cultural organisations who are assisting with integration of displaced Ukrainians into Australia?
14. Will you commit to advocating for simplifying and accelerating recognition of professional qualifications held by displaced Ukrainians into Australia?
