The committee recommends that the Australian Government should:

1. develop and commit to a consistent objective and mission statement in our support for Ukraine across all departments, ensure all government agencies are working to those same objectives, and ensure that all of Australia’s assistance, support and diplomacy is designed to achieve these objectives;
2. commit to a comprehensive package which reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s defence, humanitarian needs and support, including multi‐year sustainable Australian support;
3. develop an integrated National Security Strategy spanning foreign affairs, defence, and national resilience, noting that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is one of a number of threats to global security and stability, and the stability of the Indo‐Pacific region; and
4. take steps to increase public awareness of the threat to Australia by the increasingly coordinated, aggressive actions of totalitarian regimes, and the need for collective defence cooperation by democratic nations.

Government Response to Recommendation 1

The Government agrees in part.

The Government is unwavering in its support to the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable war. The Australian Government has worked consistently and in close consultation with Ukraine and international partners in pursuit of two key objectives: 1) supporting Ukraine to end the war on its own terms; and 2) holding Russia to account for its actions. All areas of the Australian Government are working toward the same international objectives, evidenced in Australia’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine where relevant departments have worked to align approaches consistent with the above objectives.

To date, Australia has contributed comprehensive, sustained and targeted assistance to Ukraine of more than $1.5 billion since Russia’s full scale invasion on 22 February 2022. This includes $1.3 billion in military assistance, $66 million to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery, $85 million in humanitarian and over $63 million in energy security assistance.

The 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS) notes Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine as one of a number of challenges for international security. The NDS states that the concept of ‘National Defence’ is a coordinated, whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach to meet the strategic challenges Australia faces, including the threat of conflict and the prospect of coercion. It is a broad concept that harnesses all arms of Australia’s national power.

The Australian Government has consistently and publicly articulated: the importance of holding Russia to account; Australia’s support for Ukraine; and the need for strengthened cooperation with partners. The NDS also recognises the importance of investing in strong global partnerships in order to protect Australia’s economic connection to the world and support for the global rules-based order.

Public statements by the Prime Minister and Ministers, and their participation in international meetings, serve to deliver a consistent message of support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia. These engagements also raise awareness of the risks of Russia’s actions to Australia and our region.