Member For Boothby

Electorate Office

760 Marion Road, Marion

South Australia 5043

Spokesperson

Falun Dafa in Australia

126/9 Crofts Avenue, Hurstville NSW 2220

Dear Sir:

Thank you for your letters of the 3rd and 4th October 2000 regarding the Falun Dafa Practitioners and the Falun Dafa Support Day on 22 October.

The Government takes no position on the doctrine or practices of Falun Gong. Reports I have seen indicate that it is a peaceful movement, which does not incite violence or hatred.

The Government considers that the ban raises questions about freedom of association and speech. The Government, through the Embassy in Beijing and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, has urged China to comply with its commitments under international human rights instruments which protect peaceful expression of views, freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

The Government has been very active in addressing human rights issues with China. You may be aware that Australia and China have established an annual bilateral dialogue on human rights. The dialogues provide an opportunity for us to discuss our human rights concerns in some detail with the Chinese, including the treatment of the Falun Gong.

In addition, officers of this Department have met with Falun Gong practitioners on two separate occasions.

Let me assure you the Government will continue to monitor closely the treatment of Falun Gong in China.

Once again that you for taking the time to write to me expressing your concerns.

I wish you every success on October 22.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Southcott (Signed)

Member for Boothby

• October 18, 2000

St Low Am

Mayor

Dungog Shire Council

Spokesperson of Falun Dafa in Australia

126/9 Crofts Avenue, Hurstvill NSW 2220

Dear Sir,

Re: FALUN DAFA

On behalf of Dungog Shire Council I wish to formally acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 4, 2000.

The residents of Dungog Shire, like all Australians, support democracy and of course freedom of association and speech.

Best wishes for your FALUN DAFA Support Day on October 22, 2000.

Yours faithfully

St Low Am

Mayor

• October 18, 2000

Mayor Jim Angel

Blue Mountains City Council

Spokesperson of Falun Dafa in Australia

126/9 Crofts Avenue, Hurstvill NSW 2220

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your recent letter of 3rd October,2000 seeking support from Blue Mountains City Council for your campaign to speak out against an escalating crackdown in China directed by Chinese President Jiang Zeming.

In this regard I would just like to say that I support your campaign and endorse your statement as outlined hereunder:

"We would like to re-iterate our call upon Australian Government, concerned media and other organisations, to act immediately to respond to this crisis in China and speak out publicly to urge President Jiang Zeming:"

1. To lift the ban on Falun Gong without delay and end the persecution.

2. To immediately release all jailed and detailed Falun Gong practitioners in China.

3. To stop Chinese Diplomats interference to Australian citizens.

I trust your efforts will be successful.

Yours faithfully,

Jim Angel

Mayor

• 18th October 2000

Cr Mel Read

Mayor City of Albury

Spokesperson of Falun Dafa in Australia

126/9 Crofts Avenue, Hurstvill NSW 2220

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your correspondence concerning Falun Gong practitioners in China and constant harassment of Falun Dafa practitioners in China.

I appreciate your concern and wish you well in your endeavors to bring this persecution to and end.

Yours faithfully

Cr Mel Read

Mayor--City of Albury

• Cr Joseph Tannous

Mayor of Burwood

Spokesperson of Falun Dafa in Australia

126/9 Crofts Avenue, Hurstville NSW 2220

17th October 2000

Dear Sir,

I refer to your letter dated 4 October 2000 in relation to the injustices placed on the Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Government. It is sad to see that in the year 2000, there are still inhumane acts being conducted around the world.

Thank you for keeping me informed of these atrocities and I wish you luck and support you on your future endeavours.

Your fauthfully,

Joseph Tannous

Councillor

Mayor of Burwood