SUBJECTS: Flooding in Queensland and NSW; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
 
SENATOR PENNY WONG, SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: Can I start with the flooding situation, the floods in Queensland and northern New South Wales. I think my colleague Jim Chalmers, along with Murray Watt are either on their feet, or have just addressed the media in Queensland and I just wanted to reiterate on behalf of the Federal Opposition, our sympathies to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and our thoughts which are with the thousands who are affected by this, whose homes have been affected, whose businesses have been affected. And finally, to thank again, those extraordinary volunteers, and emergency personnel who are putting themselves in harm's way to help the many Australians affected. It's a tough time for Queenslanders and for the people of northern New South Wales, and the whole country is standing with you.
 
I'll turn now to the situation in Ukraine. We've seen extraordinary strength and courage from the people of Ukraine since Russia's invasion. People who are defending their cities and homes and towns. And I again reiterate, as I did yesterday, at a rally here in South Australia that all Australians stand with the people of Ukraine. And we're all united in condemnation of Mr Putin and Russia's invasion, and shameful act of aggression - actions which are totally unprovoked and wholly unjustified. It's very disturbing to see Mr Putin escalating tensions even further by announcing and putting his nuclear 'deterrent forces' on high alert. This is irresponsible. And it should be called out as such. I again, say Russia alone is the aggressor. And as President Biden said, Russia alone bears responsibility for the loss of life and suffering, which we are seeing. We also have seen Mr Morrison confirming I think $3 million in assistance to NATO, in order to assist Ukraine. We are broadly supportive of this, although I'd note, we've not yet had the briefing we have sought - I hope the Government can do so. We've sought a briefing on these and other measures. I'm happy to take questions.
 
JOURNALIST: You touched on the fact that Vladimir Putin has put his nuclear forces on high alert, as irresponsible. Can you just go into that a little bit more, how you would describe that (inaudible).
I think we all understand the risk to humanity of nuclear conflict. And it is an irresponsible and aggressive escalation for Mr Putin to do what he has done.
 
JOURNALIST: How concerned are you about this?
 
WONG: I am concerned by all of this, as all Australians are. As I've said, this is an attack not only on the people of Ukraine, but it is an attack on the principles which have underpinned prosperity and peace broadly, since World War II. And that's why we have to be resolute in our response. That's why we have to work with the international community to shore up a strong united response, which continues to place costs on Mr Putin and Russia. And on that, in that regard, can I say, I do want to acknowledge overnight, the quite extraordinary changes in the position that Germany has taken. Germany has announced that it will provide, for the first time, support through NATO for military assistance to Ukraine, and additional defence expenditure. So, it is really good to see a substantial NATO power stepping up to the plate and recognising what Mr Putin's actions mean for global security.
 
JOURNALIST: The Government says it's uncertain whether Australians can legally travel to Ukraine to fight against Russia. Do you think the Government needs to clarify the legal situation right away?
 
WONG: The advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is very clear - do not travel to Ukraine. And as the Shadow Foreign Minister, my position is the same as Senator Payne's, which is we urge Australians to follow the advice that DFAT provides when it comes to travel. I'd also note that both the Prime Minister and also Mr Romaniw from the Ukraine Organisations, the Federation of Ukrainian Organisations have discouraged people from traveling.
 
JOURNALIST: There are laws preventing Australians traveling overseas to be involved in foreign conflicts, unless they are part of a nation's army. What can be done to tighten those laws?
 
WONG: Well, whatever the legal situation is, the clear advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs, which again is supported today, both by the Prime Minister and also by Ukrainian representatives here in Australia, is to discourage people from travel. And I would urge Australians to respect that advice. I understand this is a very difficult situation. I understand many Australians have families who are experiencing the sort of conflict we have seen, and that is very distressing. But I would encourage people to follow the advice of Government.
 
JOURNALIST: So, if there's people contemplating going over there and taking up arms, what would you say to them?
 
WONG: I would say to them that the Government's advice is do not travel to Ukraine.
 
JOURNALIST: And do you support the Government's decision to provide lethal aid?
 
WONG: Yes, that is what I referenced in my opening. The Government has now announced that they're providing a sum of $3 million to, in order to support lethal military assistance through NATO. We're broadly supportive of that. We'd like a briefing on it, which was requested over the weekend.
 
JOURNALIST: And are there any more steps you think the Government should take to impose tougher sanctions? I know you've said that you want the toughest sanctions possible.
 
WONG: Yeah, look, I think this is a time where we indicate to the Government, we're prepared to give you bipartisan support for the most comprehensive and heaviest sanctions that you believe Australia can put in place. Ultimately, it's up to government to make that decision. But I am saying very clearly to the Government, we understand the importance of Australia's supporting Ukraine and pushing back against Russian aggression. And we are willing to continue to provide bipartisan support to measures the Government determines are appropriate.

JOURNALIST: Are there any other stronger measures that you're after?
 
WONG: I think it's a matter for government to consider what are the most comprehensive measures that are appropriate for Australia.
 
JOURNALIST: And the Greens have suggested the Government ban Russian oil imports? What's your take on that?
 
WONG: I'd refer to my previous answer, which is, I don't think this is a matter of politics. This is the invasion of another country in Europe. This is unprovoked, unjustified aggression, contrary to international law and the UN Charter. It is not only an attack on Ukraine, it is an attack on the principles which have underpinned peace and prosperity in our world since 1945. I'm not looking to create political difference, or to differentiate. I'm looking, as Labor is, to providing responsible bipartisan support for Australia to take a united position, internationally, on something that matters to us all. Bipartisanship is a national security asset and that's how we treat it. Thanks for coming.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.