An audit of Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine following the Russian invasion of February 2022, has found that its development and implementation has found it to be largely effective.
The audit found that as of February 2023, the Australian Government had announced approximately $688 million of support for the Government of Ukraine.
“This military assistance has included gifts of equipment, and financial assistance provided through two grants to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and a grant to the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence,” the audit said.
“Defence was required to quickly advise on, organise and deliver military assistance, while ensuring compliance with domestic and international requirements.”
Auditor-General, Grant Hehir said the Department of Defence delivered military assistance quickly and in line with Australian Government expectations, while assessing the risks and implications for Australian national interests and capability.
“However, not all legislative and administrative requirements were met in the context of this rapid implementation activity,” Mr Hehir said.
He said two opportunities for improvement were identified, relating to resolving issues identified in Defence’s administration of financial assistance grants, and reviewing or evaluating Defence’s arrangements for the delivery of military assistance to the Government of Ukraine.
Defence agreed with the opportunities for improvement.
The 72-page audit report can be accessed at this PS News link and it can be accessed online at this link.
The audit team was Julian Mallett, Megan Beven, Kelly Williamson, Katarina Ivanovic-Likic, Hugh Balgarnie, Amita Robinson, Sally Ramsey and Amy Willmot.
