Debate resumed, on motion by Mr Slipper:

That the House:

(1)

notes:

(a)

the continuing human rights concerns in Tibet; and

(b)

the continuing restrictions on entry to Tibetan areas for journalists, international observers, non-government agencies and foreign diplomats;

(2)

welcomes the informal talks between the Chinese Government and representatives of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama on 4 and 5 May 2008 in Shenzhen, China, and the agreement to hold a further round of the China-Tibet dialogue;

(3)

encourages both parties to work sincerely towards a peaceful and mutually agreed resolution on the China-Tibet issue;

(4)

welcomes the Prime Minister’s forthright statements to the Chinese Premier and President in public and in private on the need for constructive dialogue during his recent visit to China;

(5)

recognises that the China-Tibet issue was also raised with the Chinese authorities by the former Government;

(6)

acknowledges there is bi-partisan support in the Australian Parliament for a peaceful resolution on the differences between Tibet and China; and

(7)

requests the Government actively to support and monitor progress of the China-Tibet dialogue and to offer its support to help bring about a positive outcome.

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