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.

Pauline Hanson says she’s ready to support the Liberals and Nationals. What’s new? They exchanged preferences at the last election and she’s voted with them more often than not in the Senate. She’s often cajoled them over their timidity towards smashing net zero and helped goad them towards rejecting the Voice.

She’s now receiving substantial financial support from Gina Rinehart and never disguised her admiration for Donald Trump’s immigration policies and Vladimir Putin’s leadership abilities.

She has been allowed to voice her opinions loudly and clearly at Mar-a-Lago after she took off two weeks from her Senate duties and curried favour with Trump’s cohort with her closing line, “God bless America and God help Australia”.

Meanwhile the former Coalition members have drifted closer and closer to Hansonite positions, having long surrendered any attempt to regain urban teal seats. Only a small rump of Liberal moderates remain and they are left floundering in the dark.