Annerley Labor has called on the Federal Labor Government to act urgently to close exisiting sanction loopholes by which Australia has imported more than $3.5 billion in Russian oil, providing revenue that supports Russia’s war effort. Of concern to branch members is the failure of the current sanctions framework to stop Australia from inadverently helping Russia’s invasion, now in its fifth year.

Members believe that Australia must immediately adopt measures comparable to those implemented by the European Union and the United Kingdom that have closed the damaging sanction loopholes.

In condeming Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the Branch re-iterated its call for the full and immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

Branch members also noted that Australia’s aid contribution to Ukraine, less than 0.074% of GDP, remains low compared to other developed nations. In recognising the long-term strategic importance of supporting a free and democratic Ukraine, the Branch urged the Albanese Government to increase assistance to at least 0.5% of GDP.