Our stories

Parliamentary Delegation to Dharamsala 2025

Parliamentary Delegation to Dharamsala 2025

10 Dec 2025: Australian Parliamentary Delegation visit Tibetan community in Dharamsala, India. Delegation included Australian All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (AAPGT) Co-Chair, Senator Barbara Pocock, and Sarah Witty MP and Kate Chaney MP.

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Appeal: Our Voice is Our Truth – Despite China’s transnational repression, Tibetans in Australia will not be silenced

Appeal: Our Voice is Our Truth – Despite China’s transnational repression, Tibetans in Australia will not be silenced

They escaped from Tibet because speaking the truth meant surveillance, arrest, imprisonment, and torture – for seeking the return of the Dalai Lama, for preserving Tibetan language, for wishing a life with dignity and basic human rights. And still, here in Australia, the shadow of the Chinese Government looms over them. We cannot allow this repression to cross our borders unchecked.

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Tibet Lobby Day 2025

Tibet Lobby Day 2025

Australia Tibet Council’s annual Tibet Lobby Day for 2025 was held on 1 and 2 September 2025. This year at Tibet Lobby Day our Tibetan community delegates raised Chinese Government’s transnational repression of Tibetans in Australia, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation and the Chinese colonial boarding school system, in their meetings with Parliamentarians and Government to raise concerns of the community directly with Australia’s decision-makers.

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In the News: Dalai Lama reaffirms position on selection of successor during 90th Birthday celebration.

In the News: Dalai Lama reaffirms position on selection of successor during 90th Birthday celebration.

In July 2025, His Holiness the Dalai Lama upon turning 90, made a statement reaffirming his position on the reincarnation process for the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. He once again stated that the authority to appoint the next Dalai Lama remains solely with the Gaden Phodrang Trust and no interference from the Chinese Government will be accepted. Read Media articles relevant to Australia regarding the topic.

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Tibet Lobby Day 2024

Tibet Lobby Day 2024

9 Sep 2024: Australia Tibet Council’s Tibet Lobby Day this year saw Tibetans meet with Parliamentarians and Government and raise key areas of concern for the Tibetan community in Australia.

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Linked by Lithium: Australia & Tibet

Linked by Lithium: Australia & Tibet

Independent public policy adviser, Gabriel Lafitte’s first article in his blog series ‘Linked by Lithium’ about how rampant Chinese lithium mining spurred by the renewable energy demand is exacerbating oppression in Tibet.

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Where to on lithium?

Where to on lithium?

Independent public policy adviser, Gabriel Lafitte shares an article about how rampant Chinese lithium mining spurred by renewable energy shift is behind oppression in Tibet.

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Don’t let the Prime Minister ignore Tibet – Send A Message

Don’t let the Prime Minister ignore Tibet – Send A Message

Prime Minister Albanese is visiting China soon. Help share this message – Prime Minister Albanese please raise Tibet’s Stolen Children, the removal of 1 million Tibetan Children from their families & demand China close their colonial boarding schools. Raise China’s human rights abuses in Tibet while in China.

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Australian Parliamentarians Statement on the Dalai Lama’s 89th Birthday

Tibet Lobby Day 2023

ATC were back in Canberra for Tibet Lobby Day 2023 this year we were joined by young Tibetans who directly raised Tibet with Australian members of Parliament. This year our focus was to speak out against Cultural Genocide in Tibet and raise the issue of the separation of up to 1 million Tibetan children from their families.

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Stop Forced Labour in Tibet

Stop Forced Labour in Tibet

The Chinese Government is currently being investigated by the UN for forced labour in Tibet. The UN has expressed concern that Tibetans are being forced to leave sustainable and traditional livelihoods, such as wool and dairy production, to work in low-paid, low-skilled work in manufacturing and construction in China.

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28 years since abduction of Panchen Lama

28 years since abduction of Panchen Lama

17 May is a terribly sad day for all Tibetans and Tibet supporters. It is the day that the Chinese communists abducted a six year-old Panchen Lama, Gedun Choekyi Nyima and his family. It has been 28 years since their abduction and they have not been heard from since.

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Mid-Year Appeal 2023: Stop Cultural Genocide in Tibet

Mid-Year Appeal 2023: Stop Cultural Genocide in Tibet

Almost a million Tibetan children are being forced into Chinese colonial boarding schools, where they are separated from their parents, communities, culture and language. Our campaign to put an end to this cultural genocide has gained significant momentum over the past few months.

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Dalai Lama Statement

Dalai Lama Statement

You have no doubt seen this week’s media coverage of the Dalai Lama’s apology for an incident that occurred during a public meeting in India. While it is understandable that this incident has caused some concern amongst the public, ATC believes the Dalai Lama’s apology is complete and his lifetime of public service and record of tireless advocacy for world peace and promotion of compassion speaks to the person he is.

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Not On Our Watch – Cultural Genocide in Tibet

Not On Our Watch – Cultural Genocide in Tibet

Australia cannot stand idle and risk a future Stolen Generation of Tibetan children, ATC will act to ensure this issue is front and centre for Australian parliamentarians and not ignored as China seeks to resume trade and other relations with Australia.

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The Mindfulness Gift Box

The Mindfulness Gift Box

Surprise your loved ones with the Mindfulness Gift Box. A handpicked hamper of Tibetan and Buddhist ethically-sourced items that will foster a sense of inner peace and compassion.

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2023 Calendar: Colours of Tibet

2023 Calendar: Colours of Tibet

The 2023 calendar offers glimpses of the rich hues of Tibet and draws you into a place that, while vast and beautiful, is one of the least-free countries in the world.

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Mini Raffle for Tibet

Mini Raffle for Tibet

Enter the raffle for a chance to win the $4000 Electric Bike Orbea Optimo E50 for just $30. Every purchase will help fund our campaigns for the freedom and human rights of Tibetans.

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Annual Report 2021

Annual Report 2021

Thanks to your support in 2021, we saw several campaign wins. Read our annual report to learn more about what we achieved together for Tibet in 2021.

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Freedom for Tibet Raffle 2022

Freedom for Tibet Raffle 2022

Enter for your chance to win a travel voucher from Flight Centre valued at $3000 or a Green Tara original painting. Every purchase will help fund our campaigns for the freedom and human rights of Tibetans.

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63rd Uprising Day – 10 March 2022

63rd Uprising Day – 10 March 2022

On March 10 1959, Tibetans courageously rose up to protest China’s illegal occupation of their country. Since then every March 10 is commemorated with rallies to reject the Chinese claim over Tibet. Read more to find rallies you can join in a city closest to you!

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ATC Award Recipients

ATC Award Recipients

The Australia Tibet Council is fortunate to have deeply dedicated supporters. With the aim of recognising members who have made significant contributions over the years, ATC presents annual awards.

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2021 Campaign Wrap Up

2021 Campaign Wrap Up

ATC’s Executive Officer, Zoe Bedford, wraps up what has been a successful year of promoting and advocating for Tibet in Australia.

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Pledge your support for Tibetan religious identity

Pledge your support for Tibetan religious identity

ATC is beginning a pledge campaign to put the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on notice. Tibet supporters around the world know that the CCP is aiming to interfere with the succession of the Dalai Lama and we don’t accept this. Take and share this pledge:
“I pledge to only recognise a Dalai Lama appointed via Tibetan Buddhist traditions and practices, without interference by the Chinese Government.”

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ATC and Me: Alex Butler

ATC and Me: Alex Butler

Alex Butler has a long and dedicated history of supporting the people of Tibet’s struggle for meaningful autonomy. In recognition of her amazing efforts, earlier this year at our annual general meeting, Alex was given the ‘Damien Lovelock Award for meritorious service’. Alex answered a few questions for us, offering a window into her journey with the Tibetan cause.

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Reflections on peace and Tibet

Reflections on peace and Tibet

On the International Day of Peace, ATC’s Executive Officer Zoë Bedford reflects on the topic of peace and Tibet and how we can support the Tibetan struggle. “Every time you speak out about a Tibetan who has been imprisoned for their beliefs, who has been tortured for speaking out, every time you write to the Australian Government to make a positive change for Tibet, you are contributing to the Tibetan peoples nonviolent struggle.”

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ATC’s Zoë Bedford is dedicating her birthday to Tibet

ATC’s Zoë Bedford is dedicating her birthday to Tibet

From volunteering with Australia Tibet Council (ATC) at the Tibetan Freedom Concert in 1999, where acts such as Spiderbait, The Living End and Celibate Rifles played, to meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his visit to Australia in 2013, Zoë Bedford’s involvement with the Tibetan cause has taken many different forms spanning across three decades. Now Executive Officer of ATC, Zoë has decided to pioneer our new birthday fundraising platform by dedicating her birthday to Tibet.

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Senate passes forced labour amendment

Senate passes forced labour amendment

On 23d August, Senator Rex Patrick’s revised Customs Amendment bill to stop the importation of goods made with forced labour passed the Senate. We expect that the bill will be debated by the House of Representatives in its next sitting session, mid to late October.

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Magnitsky: Campaign update

Magnitsky: Campaign update

The Australian Government has now responded to recommendations about creating a Magnitsky-style law to impose financial and visa sanctions against human rights abusers. The response falls short of our expectations and remains below the gold standard set by our allies. However, there are some important improvements now proposed for Australia’s existing sanctions regime.

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UPDATE: Rex Patrick’s forced labour bill

UPDATE: Rex Patrick’s forced labour bill

Earlier this year, we gave a submission to a parliamentary inquiry into a bill banning goods produced by Uyghur forced labour and the committee reviewing the bill has now presented its report to parliament. In this blog, we unpack the recommendations.

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Global Day of Action

Global Day of Action

Events took place in 50 cities around the world from Australia to Sweden, Japan to Argentina and New Zealand to Canada on 23 June as part of a Global Day of Action to say #NoBeijing2022

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Tibetan Democracy-in-Exile

Tibetan Democracy-in-Exile

Tibet’s Government-in-Exile has a new president and there are also new faces representing the Tibet movement here in Australia. Read our blog which includes profiles as well as key facts about the flourishing democracy-in-exile that Tibetans have established in Dharamsala, India.

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Annual Report 2020

Annual Report 2020

2020 was a difficult year, with all the challenges that a global pandemic brings. Still, thanks to your support, we saw campaign wins. Read our annual report to learn more about what we achieved together for Tibet in 2020.

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Karma Singey begins as new Tibet Information Office Representative

Karma Singey begins as new Tibet Information Office Representative

ATC welcomes the new representative for the Tibet Information Office (TIO) in Canberra – Karma Singey. The TIO is an official agency of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and aims to create a better understanding of the situation in Tibet and draw attention to the plight of the Tibetan people. Karma formally took over from the outgoing representative Lhakpa Tshoko in a ceremony on 14 April.

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A victory against China’s influence and interference in Australia

A victory against China’s influence and interference in Australia

On the evening of 21st April 2021, the Australian Government announced it was tearing up the two belt and road initiative agreements that the Victorian Government had signed with China. This is a victory for groups like Australia Tibet Council that have long campaigned on the issue of China’s interference and influence in Australian internal affairs.

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Magnitsky Act Now Ad

Magnitsky Act Now Ad

We have collaborated with a coalition of groups from across the Asia-Pacific to have a full-page advertisement published in The Australian newspaper calling for parliamentarians to pass the #MagnitskyActNow.

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Tibet documentaries and movies

Tibet documentaries and movies

The documentaries and movies in this list we’ve put together explore Tibetan stories of hope, courage and belonging and give insight into issues surrounding China’s occupation of Tibet.

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In life and death: Damien Lovelock’s legacy for Tibet

In life and death: Damien Lovelock’s legacy for Tibet

In life, lead singer of the Celibate Rifles, Damien Lovelock wasn’t concerned with the material, focusing instead on spiritual fulfillment, and being present to the fullest. When it came to remedying injustice in Tibet though, he thought well into the future, writing Australia Tibet Council into his will.

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Forced labour camps in Tibet

Forced labour camps in Tibet

An explosive report has revealed that half a million Tibetan nomads and farmers have been forced into military style labour camps in Tibet. Here they are subjected to indoctrination and intrusive surveillance, under the mask of ‘vocational training,’ before being sent to work in factories in Tibet or China.

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Meet our new Executive Officer Dr Zoë Bedford

Meet our new Executive Officer Dr Zoë Bedford

“I am delighted to take up the role of Executive Officer for Australia Tibet Council and build on the important work of Paul Bourke and Kyinzom Dhongdue as well as ATC staff and supporters in campaigning for the human rights of Tibetans.”

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#ResistChina – Global Day of Action

#ResistChina – Global Day of Action

On 1st October, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Southern Mongolians, Taiwanese and Chinese democracy activists joined together for a Global Day of Action to call on governments to stand against the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on freedom, democracy and human rights.

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Petition – Free the Panchen Lama

Ahead of the International Day of the Disappeared on 30 August, let’s call on the Australian Government to push for the immediate release of the Panchen Lama and his family. Sign our petition to Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

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Freedom for Tibet Raffle

Freedom for Tibet Raffle

Our annual Freedom for Tibet Raffle is back! We have two great prizes on offer: First prize is a travel voucher from Flight Centre valued at $3,000 and second prize is a $500 gift card for wine or books. Tickets are $30 each.

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Reflections on Tibet Lobby Week

Reflections on Tibet Lobby Week

With the unprecedented global attention on China at the moment, we knew this was a critical moment for Tibet and that we had to get our message in front of Australia’s politicians. In all, 40 ATC members and Tibetans met with 26 MPs from across Australia during Tibet Lobby Week.

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Access to Tibet, it’s time

Access to Tibet, it’s time

It’s time to end the isolation of Tibet. During Tibet Lobby Week in 2020, we met with 25 MPs and Senators to build support for the first Australian law on Tibet.

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Tibet news: Autumn newsletter

Tibet news: Autumn newsletter

A summary of major recent developments in Tibet: how China’s ‘ethnic unity’ law will accelerate sinicisation of Tibet and impacts of damming Tibetan rivers.

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ATC and Me

ATC and Me

We would not exist without our dedicated members and supporters and so we are sharing profiles of the wonderful people who make our work for Tibet possible.

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Summary of our online shows

Summary of our online shows

For anyone who may have missed an episode in our online series of Tibetan cooking shows, meditation and talks, we are sharing the replays here. Enjoy!

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Annual Report 2019

Annual Report 2019

2019 marked 60 years of Tibetan resistance against China’s occupation of their homeland. It was a big year for ATC. Read our annual report to learn more about what we achieved together in 2019.

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Tibet Lobby Week

Tibet Lobby Week

We strive to make human rights issues in Tibet an important part of Australia’s relationship with China. We do this by engaging our political leaders and ensuring the voices of our community and Tibetan-Australians are heard.

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#Cook4Tibet episode 2: Tsampa cookies

#Cook4Tibet episode 2: Tsampa cookies

Join us for our second episode of #Cook4Tibet, a series of online shows to celebrate Tibetan food. In this time of social isolation, let’s get together online and connect about all things Tibet.

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Live Online Briefing: Uncovering China’s Coronavirus Agenda

Live Online Briefing: Uncovering China’s Coronavirus Agenda

On World Health Day, Tuesday 7 April 2020, a panel of Chinese, Tibetan, and Uyghur rights leaders joined by Chinese-focused human rights experts will conduct an online media briefing on the People’s Republic of China’s escalating repressive agenda in the age of the novel coronavirus.

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Our prayers for Australia

Our prayers for Australia

To those affected by the bushfires crisis, we have you in our prayers. We hope this message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama will bring you comfort at this difficult time.

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Our Summer Reading List: 12 books by Tibetan writers

Our Summer Reading List: 12 books by Tibetan writers

Starting this month, we will be bringing you our pick of the best books, movies, food and all things Tibet. Our first Summer Reading List is dedicated to Tibetan writers from Tibet and in exile. From politics to Buddhism, here is our pick of 12 all-time favourite books.

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Raising red flags about our unis

Raising red flags about our unis

Over 3,000 supporters like you have signed our petition calling on UQ to close its Confucius Institute. Three months on, Vice-chancellor Peter Høj has failed to respond to our petition. Our campaign to end China’s interference into Australian education is not going to be easy, but we are not giving up.

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Our Tibet Story

Our Tibet Story

To understand Tibet, people must hear directly from the Tibetans: from those in Tibet and from their families in exile. Watch these video stories.

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REPORT: An Iron Fist in a Green Glove

REPORT: An Iron Fist in a Green Glove

Read our report that closely looks at how the Tibetan nomads have lived sustainably for centuries, the threat they are facing today, and why they must be understood as vital protectors of Tibet’s vast grasslands.

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I agree, Tibet should be free

I agree, Tibet should be free

We believe it’s time for Tibet to be free. And we want 10,000 Australians to join us and say: I agree, Tibet should be free. Simply sign and share. It just takes a minute.

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Our report: The Year So Far

Our report: The Year So Far

Today we are still here, continuing the critical work for Tibet because of your unwavering support. Thank you to all our members, supporters and partners.

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The gentle steeliness of Ama Jetsun Pema

The gentle steeliness of Ama Jetsun Pema

Ama Jetsun Pema, fondly called ‘Gangchen Amala’ (Mother of Tibet) has a steely gentleness that fills the eagerly packed auditorium. It is opening night of the Festival of Tibet and a palpable excitement spikes the air.

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Letter to the editor: Our greatest export is democracy

Letter to the editor: Our greatest export is democracy

James Laurenceson’s “We need China in an age of Trump” (June 19) lacks basic rigour and balance. It’s a propaganda style piece presented as a scholarly work from the Australia China Relations Institute attached to the University of Technology Sydney.

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