During his historic address to the Australian parliament last night, President Zelenskyy called specifically on the Australian Government for Bushmasters.

"You have very good armoured personnel vehicles, Bushmasters, that could help Ukraine substantially, and other pieces of equipment that could strengthen our position in terms of armament.

"If you have an opportunity to share this with us we would be very grateful,” President Zelenskyy said.

Labor's Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said, "I can understand why President Zelenskyy has asked for Bushmasters as they save people’s lives." 

"The Bushmaster has been recognised for saving the lives of over 300 Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.”

"There is no vehicle safer than a Bushmaster for moving troops, personnel and civilians trying to escape to safety." 

"Our locally made Bushmasters and Hawkeis, could assist the Ukrainian people, and the Federal Government should consider the ask," Ms Chesters said.

Russia’s shameful act of aggression is not just an attack on Ukraine, it is also a contemptuous attack on the principles which have underpinned peace and prosperity since the end of World War Two.

Labor has encouraged the Government to impose the most comprehensive measures available to support Ukraine and stand ready to work in a bipartisan way in considering President Zelenskyy’s request for more assistance, including armoured land vehicles.