Achievements.

Headline Achievements

• Chaired the Senate Select Committee on Energy Planning and Regulation (EPRA), delivering 22 national recommendations to modernise the National Electricity Market (NEM) and ensure reliability, affordability and decarbonisation.

  • Energy Inquiry

• Established a key diplomatic relationship with the Ukrainian Government, providing strategic policy advice to support Australia’s defence assistance and fostering international coordination in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Successfully advocated for the reopening of the Australian Embassy in Kyiv, achieved three years after its closure.

  • Australian embassy in Kyiv;

  • Senate Estimates: May 2023; Feb 2023; Nov 2022

  • Campaigned for and secured support for Ukraine, including the provision of Bushmasters and Hawkeyes.

• Introduced and secured amendments to the Restoring Rivers legislation, enhancing national water sustainability and environmental stewardship.

  • Murray Darling Basin Plan

  • Murray River Group of Councils

• Supported Hanwha’s successful multi-billion dollar contract to supply 129 infantry fighting vehicles for the Australian Army, securing manufacturing in Victoria after a competitive international tender process.

  • Advocated for awarding the LAND 8116 self-propelled artillery project contract to Hanwha in 2020 and 2021, resulting in the construction of 30 self-propelled howitzers and 15 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles in Geelong, Victoria.

• Facilitated emergency government support for Afghan nationals following the fall of Kabul, personally assisting dozens to evacuate and resettle in Australia.

• Prompted a national review of the 310 St Kilda Rd project.

Committee Achievements

• Joint Standing: Trade and Investment Growth served from 22.7.2019 to 11.4.2022; Treaties served from 21.10.2021 to present; National Capital and External Territories served from 1.8.2022 to present; Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade served from 2.8.2022 to present

• Joint Statutory: Human Rights served from 2.7.2019 to 15.10.2019; Public Works served from 23.11.2022 to present

• Senate Legislative and General Purpose Standing: Environment and Communications: Legislation served from 2.7.2019 to 2.12.2021; Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Legislation served from 2.7.2019 to 14.10.2019; Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Legislation served from 3.2.2021 to 25.7.2022; Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade: References served from 2.12.2021 to 25.7.2022

• Senate Select: Foreign Interference through Social Media served from 5.12.2019 to 21.4.2022

• Senate Standing: Senators' Interests served from 2.7.2019 to 25.7.2022; Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation served as Deputy Chair from 1.8.2022 to present

Constituent Achievements

• In 2021, Ms. Spisbah endured overwhelming stress and anxiety as her husband's travel request to arrive in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic was continually being rejected. Ms Spisbah was in the third trimester of her pregnancy in Australia and her husband was in France at the time. She was extremely worried he would miss the birth of their baby. However, Senator Van intervened and successfully united the couple just in time.

• Ali Nazari was living in the most difficult circumstances since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. Working alongside the Australian Department of Home Affairs Senator Van was able to reunite Ali Nazari and his family after two years.