STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr DAVID SMITH (Bean—Government Whip) (13:32): Today marks Tibet Lobby Day, a day to recognise the rights of the people of Tibet to freedom of expression and practise of faith and culture. I've had the extraordinary privilege to have met the Dalai Lama and share our commitment to foster collective values of compassion, forgiveness, the oneness of humanity and respect for diverse traditions.

The Dalai Lama has long been a beacon for peace and harmony across the world. This year marks the 91st birthday of His Holiness. It is crucial that we recognise that the sole authority over the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama lies with the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phofrang Trust and that no government or body has authority to interfere in this matter.

I wish to acknowledge and thank Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche for his presence here in parliament today. The people of Tibet have had to endure repressive policies, attempts to eradicate their distinct cultural and religious identity and practise. I wish to express my solidarity with not just the Tibetan community in my electorate but globally as they seek the rights and freedoms that so many of us take for granted.