Government finally moves on Russia, Belarus sanctions
Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, the
Hon Kevin Hogan MP said the Albanese Government should have moved earlier on
extending the 35% customs tariff on Russia and Belarus.
“I called on the
Government to do this more than a month ago, saying on August 3 that with no
end in sight to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine with Belarussian support,
they had no choice but to extend Australia’s trade sanctions against these
regimes beyond this month’s end date,” Mr Hogan said.
“Australia must
continue to take whatever measures we can to denounce Russia and Belarus for
their illegal aggression. This removal of most favoured nation status and the
imposition of this customs duty is such a measure.
“Many Australians
are becoming increasingly concerned that the Albanese Government is pulling
back on Australia’s commitment to support Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial
integrity, as well as put in place measures that will support a future rebuild
effort.”
Shadow Minister for
Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham stated all efforts should be
made by the Albanese Government to utilise the mechanisms at its disposal to
support Ukraine and extending these sanctions was the obvious course of action.
“While prolonging
these sanctions was the only course of action this Government could have taken
their delays in implementing a double tax agreement with Ukraine have been more
than disappointing,” Senator Birmingham said.
“This is a
government which seems incapable of being proactive on these sorts of issues
and instead has to be dragged to the table with reactionary solutions that risk
coming too late.”
“Australia must
continue to send clear and strong messages of condemnation for Russia’s illegal
invasion and abhorrent actions against Ukraine.”
The Coalition
introduced the 35% customs duty on goods that are the produce or manufacture of
Russia and Belarus from 25 April, 2022.