The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) co-chair Kateryna Argyrou and members of the Ukrainian community in Australia have appeared before the Senate Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee public hearings into Australia’s support for Ukraine.
Ms Argryou acknowledged the deep gratitude across the community for the valuable contributions the Australian Government had made to support Ukraine’s resistance against russia’s illegal invasion.
However, Ms Argyrou noted efforts had been sporadic, and had become smaller and less frequent over time. She provided three examples where it seemed there had been missed opportunities to help Ukraine:
- armoured vehicles – whether Bushmasters, Hawkeis or ASLAVs
- helicopters – the disposal of 45 Taipan helicopters, which could have been sent to Ukraine to help save lives on the frontline
- drones – the decision by the Government to ground their DJI drone fleet had left the drones in limbo – but they could be sent to Ukraine
Ms Argyrou reiterated the AFUO’s strong recommendation for a whole-of-government approach to support Ukraine, which was first championed by the late Stefan Romaniw OAM.
In responding to additional questions asked by senators, Ms Argyrou explained how the private sector could be leveraged to support Ukraine; the urgent need to resolve visa issues for displaced Ukrainians; the role the Ukrainian community can play in ‘filling the gaps’ with coordination and communication; and the Government’s role in countering Russian disinformation and propaganda.
Mr Daniel Wolody, President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW, Mr Andriy Mencinsky, Vice President UCNSW, and Dr Tanya Dus were also invited to speak at the hearings.
Issues covered included the dire visa situation for displaced Ukrainians; the need for greater funding of funding for services for displaced Ukrainians; the harassment the Ukrainian community has experienced from pro-Russian agitators; Russian disinformation and propaganda techniques; further scholarships for Ukrainian health professionals and academics to study in Australia; encouraging exchange opportunities; and facilitate Ukrainian doctors to ‘fast track’ their retraining so they can improve services for the community.
- Read the AFUO’s submission to the inquiry here and Ms Argyrou’s opening statement here
- Watch Ms Argyrou hearing here (or the video above)
- Listen to Mr Wolody, Mr Mencinsky and Dr Tania Dus here
- Submissions to the inquiry can be found here – UCNSW (submission 80), Andrew Mencinsky (submission 121), Dr Tanya Dus (submission 211)
