Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

What a disgraceful contribution that was from Senator Babet! I acknowledge Senator Rice, a longstanding friend of the Tibetan people, for suggesting this motion today. I also acknowledge the presence in the gallery of the delegation of the Central Tibetan Administration, the democratically elected government of Tibetans in exile, and especially Sikyong Penpa Tsering. You are most welcome in the chamber today. Thank you for honouring us with your presence.

Since 1959 the Tibetan people have faced brutality, invasion and the attempted destruction of their culture. They have faced attacks not only on their people, their monks and their monasteries but on their culture, their expression and their freedom. Critically, and courageously, they have never ceded sovereignty over their country. The Chinese government must immediately end its human rights violations and respect the civil, political and religious rights of the Tibetan people. The Chinese government should also immediately release the Panchen Lama, who they kidnapped 28 years ago.

Our government, the Australian government, needs to have an honest conversation with the Chinese government, our biggest trading partner. Our government should make it clear that the Chinese government should not interfere any further in the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama. Any such interference would be completely unacceptable.

Since the leadership of our former leader, Senator Bob Brown, the Australian Greens have supported the Tibetan people in their brave and courageous fight for self-determination and to reclaim their country. That will always continue.