Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton is calling for the Albanese Government to take action, to protect Ukrainians currently in Australia from being forced to return to their war torn country.
Mr Hamilton said he recently met with local Ukrainian families and representatives of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Ukrainian Community of Queensland and the Ukraine Crisis and Humanitarian Assistance Council.
“I am calling for the Albanese Government to put in place the necessary measures to ensure now displaced Ukrainians, including women and children, who are in Australia are not sent back to a war zone.
“Australia and Toowoomba has a rich history of providing people with support, to escape or avoid an active war zone, including for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, but also in Kosovo, East Timor, Syria and Iraq,” Mr Hamilton said.
Mr Hamilton said the families he had met with were scared for their lives at the prospect of returning to Ukraine.
“A number of families are about to see their visas expire, an array of visas including work and study.
“I was alarmed through these discussions that these families have no certainty as to how long they can remain safely in Australia and contributing positively to our nation.
“I have written to the responsible minister, calling on them to provide protection for innocent Ukrainian families, including women, children and the vulnerable who are in Australia,” Mr Hamilton said.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Greta Dwan 0414 211 908
