Ukrainian delegation meets with Australian parliamentary friendship group in Victoria to solidify ties

A Ukrainian delegation met with members of the Ukraine Friendship Group in the Parliament of Victoria, Australia, on July 31.

The delegation included UWC Vice President Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, AFUO Director for Business and Multicultural Affairs Chrestyna Kmetj, and Olha Herasymiuk, a Ukrainian journalist and the chair of Ukraine’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Council.

Victoria lawmakers Lee Tarlamis, Matthew Guy, Kat Theophanus, and Michael Galea joined the meeting. The Australian members of parliament expressed strong solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening partnership ties.

“Thank you […] for your ongoing support of Ukraine and our Ukrainian-Australian community,” the AFUO stated.

The discussion focused on the critical importance of protecting independent media during wartime and preserving Ukrainian culture, especially in occupied territories where children are exposed to Russian propaganda.

“The parties also exchanged experiences in media regulation and legislation, including protecting children’s rights online, combating disinformation, and adapting regulatory frameworks to challenges of the digital age,” said Ukraine’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Council.

Herasymiuk’s visit coincided with the first Ukrainian-Australian Book Festival that was held on Aug. 3.