Daniel Andrews, John Pesutto, Moira Deeming among 200 Aussies banned from Russia
Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is one of 200 Aussies who have been banned for an alleged ‘Russophobic campaign’, a list which also includes John Pesutto, Tim Pallas and Moira Deeming.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Daniel Andrews is among more than 200 Australians added to a list of people banned from entering Russia due to a perceived “anti-Russian agenda”.
Mr Andrews was among 235 new names released on Thursday, which also included Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto, controversial state MP Moira Deeming, and current treasurer Tim Pallas, who were banned from the country indefinitely.
A statement posted to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said the bans were “in response to the politically motivated sanctions imposed on Russian private individuals and legal entities by the Government of Australia as part of the collective West’s Russophobic campaign”.
“The decision has been made to indefinitely deny entry to Russia to 235 Australian nationals who are members of municipal councils actively promoting the anti-Russia agenda in their country,” the statement read.
“Given that official Canberra shows no sign of renouncing its anti-Russia position and the continued introduction of new sanctions, we will further update the Russian stop list accordingly.”
Other high profile Victorians on the list include deputy premier Ben Carroll disgraced former Liberal MP Tim Smith, Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, and former deputy premier James Merlino.
A number of South Australian MPs also made the list, including Deputy Premier Susan Close, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, and Opposition Leader David Speirs.
In early April 2022, just under two months after the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 228 Australians were banned from entering the country, including then Prime Minister Scott Morrison, current PM Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton among a slew of other federal members of parliament.
The bans came in retaliation to sanctions introduced against Russian leadership, which the country’s foreign ministry dubbed “unfriendly actions.”
In June of 2022 a further 121 Australians were put on Russia’s ‘stop list,’ including leaders of security agencies, business leaders, experts and journalists.
The list included South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, billionaire Gina Rinehart, and Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt.
Between July 2022 and August 2023 a further 128 Australians were banned from entering the country.
The latest bout of bans come only weeks after a Moscow court extended US journalist Evan Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention until June 30, ensuring he will have spent more than one year behind bars.
The 32-year-old Wall Street Journal reporter is accused by prosecutors of espionage.
New Lord Mayor launches bid to keep top job
Nick Reece has revealed his long-term vision, including a $10m plan to light up the city, as he launches his campaign to lead Melbourne for the next four years.
‘I’ll beat this’: Rocca reveals cancer fight
Collingwood great Anthony Rocca has revealed his shock cancer diagnosis, urging others to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice if something feels amiss.