Australia: Members of Parliament, Human Rights Advocates, and Community Leaders Call to Help End the Persecution

(Minghui.org) Many Australian Members of Parliament, famous scholars, and community leaders have called for an end to the 22 years of Falun Dafa’s persecution. They have condemned the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for violating human rights, and called on the international community to help stop the persecution. They’ve sent in videos, letters of support, and also made speeches calling for an end to the 22 years of persecution.

Members of the Australian Parliament show support for Falun Dafa practitioners’ persistence in exposing the persecution, and call for people’s conscience to awaken. They admire and encourage practitioners’ rational protests, and their bravely defending of their faith.

Falun Dafa practitioners firmly believe in the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They have been rationally persisting in exposing the CCP’s crimes, spreading the truth about Falun Dafa, and calling on people’s conscience. They have won the respect and support from the international community. Members of the Australian Parliament and famous scholars respect the practitioners’ persistent efforts to end the persecution, as well as courage and bravery for defending one’s faith and beliefs. The source of their strength arose from the universal values of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Truth and freedom will ultimately prevail, and this will be attributed to compassionate people and to those who never give up.

Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is an advanced cultivation practice of the Buddha School. It was founded by Mr. Li Hongzhi and is based on Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, the highest characteristic of the universe. Since its public introduction in Changchun, China, on May 13, 1992, the practice has spread to more than 100 countries and regions around the world, and over 100 million people have practiced and benefited from it both physically and mentally.

Member of the Australian Parliament: Falun Dafa is the Beacon of Hope

Senator The Hon Eric Abetz

Senator The Hon Eric Abetz sent a video to Australian Falun Dafa practitioners and said in the video: “We who are blessed to exercise our freedom must not be silent. We must not take the morally bankrupt easy option, and turn a blind eye. We stand with you and encourage you in your fight. Don’t lose hope. The world is awake to the dictatorship’s human rights abuses. Your courage is a beacon of hope for others who also fight for freedom and justice. Be assured we stand in solidarity with you!”

Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells

Senator Fierravanti-Wells sent a message of support to Falun Gong practitioners who have suffered at the hands of the CCP. She said, “It is now more important than ever that we stay strong and resolute in our support for those being persecuted.”

The Senator also clarified that her staunch criticism of the communist regime in Beijing over several years, “has always been against the CCP, not the Chinese people, many of whom continue to suffer human rights abuses.”

She also noted, “For those of Chinese heritage in Australia with family and loved ones in China, stay strong. More and more Australians are receptive to understanding the regime’s illegal activities, especially its human rights abuses,” and, “The Australian public will no longer tolerate ‘business as usual’ with Beijing.”

Member of Australia House of Representatives: Perpetrators of the CCP’s Crimes Need To Be Called Out

George Christensen MP pointed out that the CCP must take responsibility for the crimes it has committed.

Falun Dafa practitioners held a candlelight vigil at King George Square in Brisbane’ city center on July 20, 2021. Mr. George Christensen MP, Federal Member for Dawson, Queensland gave a speech, and said, “This is very important, very important to be part of the light, a light shining here for those people who lost their lives under the unfortunate suppression of the CCP regime. The Falun Dafa practitioners who were taken and killed, who were organ harvested—this is a crime against humanity, and perpetrators of those crimes need to be called out,” he said.

“I truly commend everything you have done here. Today, I see portraits of Falun Gong practitioners who were killed for their beliefs, there are even photos of infants. I feel very sad. This regime is so shameful and terrifying. It is a transnational criminal organization,” he said.

“Thank you very much for what you are doing here in shining a light on this evil, evil regime. I will just say to all of those Falun Dafa practitioners in Brisbane, in Australia–thank you for keeping that memory alive. More power to you, and here is hoping you can end the CCP sometime soon,” he said.

Member of the Victoria Legislative Council: Remarkable Achievement for Falun Dafa Practitioners To Persist Amidst the Persecution

Mr. Bernie Finn MLC speaks at World Falun Dafa Day Celebration in Melbourne Australia.

Mr Bernie Finn MLC (Liberal Member for Western Metropolitan) stated that it is a “remarkable achievement” for practitioners to persist amidst 22 years of the CCP’s persecution.

He said, “Though Falun Dafa has been under the CCP’s persecution, Falun Dafa’s popularity has been increasing, and that is a tribute to practitioners.”

Mr. Finn has been condemning CCP’s human rights issues. He stated, “Everyone should be able to exercise their God given rights, and these rights need to be protected,” and, “The CCP will be punished for not respecting these rights.”

He stated that Australia should take the lead in condemning the CCP for suppressing its citizens. “As a free country, we have the responsibilities to support those being suppressed by a barbaric and evil regime,” and, “We need to stand in line with those in need of democracy.”

He said that the CCP will be abandoned by the civilized world because of its continuous violations of human rights. The people in China will eventually obtain their freedom that they deserve.”

Mr. Lyle Shelton, successor to the Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC for the Christian Democratic Party in NSW Parliament

Ms. Lyle Shelton, successor to the Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC for the Christian Democratic Party in NSW Parliament, sent his regards to Falun Dafa practitioners.

“We certainly share your concern and we feel your pain. Those of us in the Christian community are also aware of the suffering of the millions of Christians in the hands of the CCP. While it is 22 years of the persecution against the Falun Dafa, this is a hundred years of persecution against the Christians and other religious minorities and of course political dissidents by the regime. Please know that you have a friend in us.”

Mrs. Tanya Davies MP

Mrs. Tanya Davies MP – NSW State Member for Mulgoa, also sent her regards and support to the Falun Dafa Association in Australia.

“On the 22nd anniversary of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China, I send my support and solidarity to all. The Falun Gong principles of Truth, Compassion and Forbearance are enduring, universal and a strength for societies that ought to be embraced and not persecuted”

Parramatta Councillor: Falun Dafa is Welcomed in the Community

Andrew Wilson, the Parramatta Councillor’s letter of support.

Councillor Andrew Wilson from Parramatta City Council wrote in the letter: “Chinese authorities have a long history of persecuting those they disagree with. The evidence that they routinely round up Falun Gong practitioners, imprison, torture and execute them is overwhelming. I believe that the cultured Chinese people will look back on this period, and these actions with shame.”

“The central tenants of Falun Dafa are summed up in their well known slogan of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Our city stands proudly for freedom of religion, freedom of conscience and solving our problems as peacefully as we can. The Falun Dafa community can be proud of how well they match our city and our wider Australian community.”

Councillor Peter Kelly from the Ku-ring-gao council.

Mr. Kelly, who speaks fluent Chinese said, “I started to study Chinese culture, history and language formally over 40 years ago. I am strongly in support of the Falun Dafa and other groups like it who practice peaceful endeavors, preserve the Chinese culture and are not engaged in disruptive political engagements. I strongly oppose communist regime’s treatment of Falun Dafa members and their families, both in China and abroad.”

Famous Chinese Scholar: Falun Dafa Have Earned Great Respect and Support From the International Community

Many famous scholars from Australia send in videos and support letters to the Falun Dafa Association in Australia to mark the 22 years of persecution.

Dr Feng Chongyi, a famous Chinese scholar and assistant professor at the University of Technology in Sydney.

Dr Feng Chongyi, a famous Chinese scholar and assistant professor at the University of Technology in Sydney said, “The cruel suppression by the CCP has resulted in tremendous sufferings of Falun Gong practitioners, but also caused widespread indignation around the world. The steadfast and persevering resistance of Falun Gong practitioners against the CCP brutality have earned great respect and support from the international community. The indomitable will of Falun Gong practitioners will prevail and the evil CCP regime is doomed.”

Professor David Flint AM

Professor David Flint AM, who is Emeritus Professor of Law and Former Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and Australian Press Council, said in the video sent to the Falun Dafa Association of Australia, “In the 22nd year of the persecution, a persecution which is against the laws of man, the laws of nations, and indeed the law of God. Your principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance [Forbearance] are consistent with those laws.”

Professor Flint also shared the words of William Penn, founder of the Province of Pennsylvania that, “Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants,” and quoted from the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” He emphasized these rights are endowed by the Creator, not by dictators or politicians.

On the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong he said, “Tyrannies will always fall… and that the tyranny which is persecuting you will fall and be left on the scrapheap of history.” He concluded by saying, “People who uphold justice in Australia and around the world will be thinking, hoping and praying for you to be free.”

Ms. Sophie York, a law lecturer from Sydney University

Ms. Sophie York, an Australian barrister and law lecturer from Sydney University, sent her regards in a video and said, “It has been my honour to get to know Falun Dafa practitioners. I say to you: ‘Good on you! Remain courageous, it is a highly principled stand that you are taking.’ Governments are meant to protect the naturally occurring human rights of the people. The Chinese government is no different to other governments in having that responsibility. One day this oppression by the CCP will be brought to an end, and it will be due to the relentless, determined efforts of good people, who never gave up!”

President of the Australian Jewish Association: The World Has a Moral Imperative to Stop the Persecution

Mr. David Adler, president of the Australian Jewish Association.

Mr. David Adler, president of the Australian Jewish Association said, “I want you to know that the Jewish people understand what it is like to be persecuted by a large totalitarian regime. The world has a moral imperative, the major lesson was supposed to be – never again. And that means when a people is persecuted for their ethno-national or religious identities we must speak out, we must do what we can to stop it.”

President of an Australian Multicultural Association: Falun Dafa Practitioners’ Courage and Determination are Admired

Mr. Robert Waller, president of an Australian multicultural association

Mr. Robert Waller, president of an Australian multicultural association, said in the video: “Your courage and determination is very much admired by our people, and respected nationwide [which] is growing as they learn more about the Falun Gong movement. I feel privileged to pass on this message and to share your faith in a better world for the many presently not sharing the fruits of freedom.”

Dr. Augusto Zimmermann, a internationally known legal scholar

Dr Augusto Zimmermann LLB, LLM, PhD, is an internationally known legal scholar and is broadly recognized as one of the nation's leading advocates for free speech and religious freedom. During the 22nd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s persecution, he made a speech at Perth and addressed, “We have to fight against tyranny, to fight against oppression. I am on your side, the side of freedom, the side of the rule of law, and the side of justice. The price of freedom is freedom indeed. But it is also eternal vigilance.”

Dr. Cuong Bui, president of the Vietnamese Community in Australia’s Queensland Chapter, spoke at the candlelight vigil on July 20, 2021

Dr. Cuong Bui, president of the Queensland Chapter of the Vietnamese Community in Australia, is an experienced doctor and an advocate for human rights. Dr. Cuong Bui learned of the CCP’s brutal suppression of Falun Gong practitioners in China in 2000. He has been very sympathetic since then, and very supportive of practitioners’ efforts to resist the persecution.

“The persecution has gone on for 22 years,” he said in his speech at the vigil. “All the leaders in the G7 summit condemned Beijing for its violation of human rights in its treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and Hong Kong citizens.”

He called on Australians to wake up quickly, “The CCP is already here, they are already in Australia. Wake up! It will cause a lot of problems [for] us in the future. They infiltrate our universities even our unions, so they will cause a lot of problems.”