Thursday, 3 August 2023

Russia–Ukraine war

Michael GALEA (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:53): Over the winter break I had the distinct honour of speaking at a rally in Federation Square to commemorate 500 days since Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion of Ukraine began. The event also commemorated nine years since the downing of flight MH17. It was incredibly humbling to stand amongst members of Melbourne’s Ukrainian community and people from our broader community, who all gathered in support in a huge show of numbers. Together we stood united as one – united for peace and for an end to this despicable invasion.

Along with the member for Bulleen in the other place, himself a member of our Ukrainian community, and federal MPs, we all spoke of the commitment to and support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here in Victoria. I applaud our federal government for backing in Ukraine at its time of need, and I urge it to maintain all the support it can provide. I would like to thank Stefan Romaniw from the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations and all the organisers of the event. Melbourne’s south-east has a proud Ukrainian community, and along with my colleague Mr Tarlamis, who has worked extensively with the community over many years, I am proud to also stand with them. Slava Ukraini.