Dharamshala: A parliamentary delegation comprising parliamentarians Khenpo Jamphel Tenzin, Tsering Dolma, Choedak Gyatso, and Tenzin Phuntsok Doring began their official Tibet advocacy efforts in Australia with a panel discussion titled “Why Tibet Matters” at Victoria Parliament House on August 16, 2024.

Hon. Maree Edwards MP, Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, joined the discussion alongside members of the Tibetan parliamentary delegation, Representative Karma Singey, staff from the Tibet Information Office, and other attendees.

During the panel discussion, the Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly warmly welcomed the Tibetan lawmakers and expressed gratitude for their visit to share insights on the situation in Tibet. She emphasized the gravity of the Tibet issue and the need for serious dialogue. The Speaker outlined how as individuals and as parliament members can contribute to addressing the situation and highlighted the recent formation of the Friends of Tibet group within the Victorian Parliament.

The panel, chaired by Mr. Sam Hibbions MP of Victoria and Mr. Luke, secretary to Ms. Katie Hall MP, featured an interactive session that lasted over two hours.

In the evening, the delegation also toured the Victorian Parliament House and its library.

The delegation was accompanied by Representative Karma Singey and Chinese liaison officer Dawa Sangmo of the Tibet Information Office; Samdup and Choedak, President and Vice-President of Melbourne Tibetan Community, and Tenzin Norzin, VTAG regional coordinator of Melbourne.