Address to the House of Representatives, Statements by Members

Tuesday 10 March 2026

I rise to acknowledge the 67th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising, to pay tribute to all those that rose up in 1959 and to stand in solidarity with those that have kept up the fight for basic human rights. I recognise that this year, the Dalai Lama's 90th year, is being observed as a year of compassion globally, celebrating his significant contribution to humanity.

The Dalai Lama is loved throughout the world for his courage and commitment to the universality of human rights and promotion of interfaith harmony, compassion and democracy. The people of Tibet face repressive policies that are aimed at eradicating their distinct cultural and religious identity. This includes plans to interfere in the centuries-old spiritual tradition concerning the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. It is critical that Tibetans have the right to determine the identity of the next Dalai Lama using their traditional practices, without the interference of the Chinese government.

I urge the government of the People's Republic of China to recognise this authority, recognise the fundamental human rights and dignity of the Tibetan people and approach this through genuine dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We can only achieve long-term peace and freedom in Tibet through genuine dialogue without precondition.