Dear Dr. xx

Thank you for your email of 22 August 2001 about the persecution of practitioners of Falun Gong.

I am sorry that you had such an unhappy experience with the Chinese Embassy. I am aware of that the Chinese Government has banned the practice of Falun Gong and that practitioners have suffered persecution at the hands of the authorities.

It is an issue I have raised personally with the Chinese Ambassador in discussions about human rights' obligations. I will continue to use any opportunity that presents itself to press the issue.

The Labor Party is committed to ensuring that every Australian citizen has the right and capacity to enjoy, and engage in, without restriction or discrimination any lawful activity.

I understand the distress and frustration which the circumstances you describe in your email cause you.

Thank you for writing.

Yours sincerely

Member of Legislative Assembly
Australian Capital Territory

4 Sept. 2001