I'd like to start by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the Canberra region – the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples.
As we commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Ukrainian Declaration of Independence, we honour the strength, resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people – both in Ukraine and across the globe.
Today reminds us to reflect on your country's fight for sovereignty – and how that fight continues.
When people think about the profound shifts of the Cold War era, they rightly consider US President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev. As well as the transformation that swept through Eastern Europe.
What's often lost is Ukraine's role in this sweeping change.
On 24 August 1991, sensing a weakening Soviet Union, Ukraine declared its symbolic independence.
By 1 December 1991, Ukraine's Parliament called for a referendum on support for independence.
With an overwhelming majority of 92 per cent of Ukrainians supporting independence, the result reflected the people's long-standing desire for self-determination, and to break away from the shackles of the Soviet Union.
The overwhelming response to the referendum was followed by an election on the same day, completing the first democratic elections in Ukraine's history.
Leonid Kravchuk the first President of Ukraine, officially ushered in the new era of an independent, post-Soviet Ukrainian state.
Ukraine's sovereign borders were restored, and its unique culture and identity were able to thrive.
The next day, from the 2nd of December onwards, Ukraine was globally recognised as an independent state, and blazed a trail for other Soviet Republics to follow in their footsteps.
As a centre for economic and scientific excellence, the loss of Ukraine was a blow to Russia's prestige as a great power.
By the 26th of December, just twenty-five days after Ukraine's referendum on independence, the Soviet Union was dissolved. Fifteen newly independent countries emerged, and the iron curtain was lifted from Europe.
Tonight, as we mark this milestone, we are reminded that Ukraine's journey to independence has been hard-won, and the fight continues in the face of Russia's brutal and immoral full-scale invasion.
Moscow underestimated the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people then, just as they continue to do now.
When President Putin launched his imperialistic invasion, he believed he would overwhelm Ukraine within days. He miscalculated.
More than three years later, this fight is not yet over.
The resilience of the Ukrainian people, the skill of their Armed Forces and the world's commitment to Ukraine's independence, mean that his invasion is doomed to fail.
Where Russia fights for the past, Ukraine fights for a better future. Where Ukraine offers democracy, Russia inflicts tyranny. Russia seeks to destroy, Ukraine seeks to defend.
As our Prime Minister said, this war is a struggle not just for the people of Ukraine and their national sovereignty — this is a struggle for the rule of law.
Australia and Ukraine may be on opposite sides of the globe, but we stand united. We stand united in upholding democratic values, the rule of law, and respect for sovereignty.
We recognise the immense hardships the Ukrainian people have endured, and we acknowledge the anguish the Ukrainian diaspora experience here in Australia, thousands of kilometres away.
Australia steadfastly supports Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-determination.
As part of our $1.5 billion in assistance to Ukraine, we have provided important military, humanitarian, energy and economic support.
We are proud to be the largest non-NATO contributor of military assistance to help Ukraine defend itself.
Just last year, during my previous role as Assistant Minister for Defence, I had the honour of farewelling 90 ADF personnel from the Defence Base in Adelaide as they departed for the United Kingdom under Operation Kudu.
As part of our military support, the ADF has trained over 2,900 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces under Operation Kudu. This includes training the next generation of young leaders in the Ukrainian military.
We also continue to hold Russia to account for its invasion.
Australia has now imposed more than 1,500 targeted sanctions on Russia and its supporters, to ensure that those who provide material support to Russia's invasion will face consequences.
Our comprehensive suite of measures against Russia have denied Russia access to Australian markets, and ensured Australians are not supporting Putin's imperialistic war of aggression.
The Prime Minister is actively working alongside our partners, as part of the 'Coalition of the Willing', to advance efforts towards a just and lasting peace on Ukraine's terms.
And we believe Ukraine has to be at the table when these decisions are made.
Finally, I would like to end by reiterating Australia's support and admiration to the Ukrainian people on their Independence Day.
Australia stands with you as you fight to protect your freedoms. Your democracy. Your rights. Your values. Your independence.
In the shadow of the past three years, never has your strength, your resilience and your identity been more apparent than it is today.
Thank you. And Slava Ukraini.