Tibet Lobby Day 2026
Tibet Lobby Day 2026 brought together the Australia Tibet Council and the Tibetan Community of Australia to ensure the voices of Tibetans were heard at the highest levels of Australian politics. On Monday 29 June and Tuesday 30 June, Tibetan Australians travelled to Canberra to meet with more than 35 Members of Parliament and Senators from across the political spectrum, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien. We also met with parliamentarians from Labor, the Liberal Party, the Nationals, the Greens and the independent crossbench, calling for stronger Australian action in support of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and in response to the worsening human rights crisis in Tibet.
This year's Tibet Lobby Day came at a critical moment. On 1 July, China brought into force its new "Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress", legislation that provides a legal framework for the forced assimilation of Tibetans and other non-Han peoples.
Throughout our meetings, young Tibetan Australians shared powerful personal stories about the impact of China's policies on their families, communities and culture, urging parliamentarians to move beyond expressions of concern and support concrete action to defend the rights of the Tibetan people.
Our work continues as we follow up with parliamentarians and press for stronger action from the Australian Government in their interactions with China and ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.
Meeting photos
Foreign Minister Penny Wong
Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Ted O’Brien MP
Susan Templeman MP
Senator Barbara Pocock
Andrew Wallace MP
Andrew Wilkie MP
David Smith MP
Zali Steggall MP
Senator Steph Hodgins-May
Senator Lisa Darmanin
Senator Leah Blyth
Senator Deb O’Neill
Sarah Witty MP
Kate Chaney MP
Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP
Dr Sophie Scamps MP
Angie Bell MP
Alicia Payne MP
Senator Paul Scarr
Senator Richard Colbeck
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson
Speeches
Media coverage of Tibet Lobby Day
ABC Radio National Hour with Fran Kelly (22 minute interview): Tibetan community in Australia raises alarm over new Chinese law
SBS Radio: Tibetan-Australians urge government to condemn China's 'Ethnic Unity' lawsÂ
ABC News: Concerns China's new ethnic unity law could put Australian citizens at risk
Sydney Morning Herald: Fears new Chinese law will be ‘weaponised’ against Australian activistsÂ
SBS World News also covered the protests on 1 July against the 'Ethnic Unity' Laws - where the Tibetan Community were out in force in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra
Parliamentary welcome for the 13th Kundeling Rinpoche
We were fortunate to have the presence of the 13th Kundeling Rinpoche for Tibet Lobby Day and the following MPs and Senators joined an event in his honour hosted by Deputy Speaker Sharon Claydon:
· Kate Chaney MP
· Nicollette Boele MP
· Steve Georganas MP
· Susan Templeman MP
· Meryl Swanson MP
· Senator Dean Smith
· Fiona Phillips MP
· Senator Richard Colbeck
· Senator Andrew McLachlan
· Senator Larissa Waters
ATC's media event at Parliament House
Australia Tibet Council held a media event with the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet Co-Chairs; Susan Templeman MP, Senator Barbara Pocock and Senator Dean Smith, where Susan Templeman MP answered questions from ABC's Foreign Affairs (Asia Pacific) reporter, Stephen Dziedzic.
Question 1
"We’ve heard a lot about the ethnic unity law and about its implications, including in places potentially like Australia. As you mentioned, the government has made its concerns clear but does the government need to go further? Should the government go further, should it call for the repeal of [the Ethnic Unity Law] and what work is being done to provide reassurance to diaspora groups, including from Tibet, who might feel they'll be targeted?"
Question 2
"What is the government doing about the fact that there is clearly a real concern in Tibet, but also more broadly, about China intruding upon the process of succession and appointing its own successor to the Dalai Lama. Concern is one thing, but what meaningful pressure can Australia place?"
Question 3
"Last question. Dean Smith said before the Prime Minister should raise this when he goes to the UN in October. Should he? Will he?"