Given the reported atrocities by Russian forces in Ukraine, Labor calls on the Morrison Government to expel Russian diplomats, in lockstep with European partners.

In recent days, EU countries, including France, Germany and Italy have taken steps to expel 206 Russian diplomats and staff – while allowing Ambassadors to remain in most cases. Australia should follow suit.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has said that the matter is being kept “under review… at the highest levels of the Government.” 

It is hard to conceive how the decision can be made to allow these individuals to stay, given the sickening abuses being carried out by Russian forces.

The mass killing of innocent civilians and the use of rape as a weapon of war can only be described as war crimes. 

Those responsible must be held to account – and in the first instance there must be immediate diplomatic consequences. 

Labor supports all efforts to ensure these crimes are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted through the International Criminal Court process, including the provision of Australian experts to assist the investigation.