Yesterday Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott appeared alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama at a joint press conference following a lengthy private meeting with the Tibetan leader.

Mr. Abbott thanked His Holiness for his spiritual advice, said that Australia should continue to accept Tibetan refugees under its humanitarian program, and encouraged Prime Minister Rudd to take the opportunity to meet with the Dalai Lama.

“Certainly Prime Minister Howard found the time to meet with His Holiness when he was prime minister. I can understand why people are a little disappointed that Mr Rudd can’t do the same,” said Mr. Abbott.

Mr. Rudd was also in Sydney yesterday, speaking at a lunch for the Deputy Israeli Prime Minister. There will be a further opportunity for the Prime Minister to meet the Dalai Lama when His Holiness returns to Australia on 7 December after a brief trip to New Zealand.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson on Human Rights:

“Let’s put this in perspective - the Prime has met with Chinese president Hu Jintao five times since taking office, but he hasn’t found time to meet the Dalai Lama once.

“The Prime Minister seems to be running scared of Beijing, unwilling or unable to say or do anything that might upset the Chinese leadership - yet this is the man who says he stands for human rights, and wants to lead Australia on the diplomatic world stage.

“Australia is a member of the G20 and as a member we have a responsibility both to speak out against human rights abuses and to talk to people who can tell us what is really going on. The Prime Minister should meet the Dalai Lama - it’s the least our Government can do.”

Dr. Simon Bradshaw, Campaign Coordinator, Australia Tibet Council:

“This is about more than a token meeting. It is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to take a further concrete step to support a peaceful resolution of the Tibetan situation and the cause of human rights and non-violence more generally.”

“The Dalai Lama’s message of compassion and universal responsibility has never been more relevant than in the run-up to the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen. Kevin Rudd should be taking this opportunity to sit down with the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace laureate, to hear what he has to say.”

For further information and comment:
Simon Bradshaw, Campaign Coordinator, Australia Tibet Council - (02) 9283 3466