Canberra: As part of this year’s Tibet Lobby Day, the Australia Tibet Council, along with 15 young Tibetans from different regions of Australia, including delegates from Canberra, Newcastle, Sydney, Queensland, and Victoria, met around 30 members of the Australian Parliament across all political parties on 1 and 2 September 2025 to make their voices heard on the various issues concerning Tibet and Tibetan people.

This year’s focus was the critical issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession and celebrating his 90th birthday, which is being observed as the Year of Compassion globally. The delegates also voiced their concern about the Chinese government’s efforts to systematically erase Tibetan identity, language, and culture, and cases of transnational repression of Tibetans in Australia.

Highlighting the significance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th Birth Anniversary and his reincarnation issue, the Co-chair of the Australian All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (AAPGT) Susan Templeman MP said in the House of Representative, “ As we mark this year the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I want to reiterate the government’s view that no government should inference in the selection of religious leaders, and successions should be allowed occur in accordance with religious norms and practices. That is the case for the next Dalai Lama, although we know that this one is planning a very long life.”

She further said that the Albanese government has expressed deep concern over the erosion of human rights and freedom in Tibet and urges the Chinese government to uphold the fundamental human rights of the Tibetan people and to enter into genuine dialogue with the Dalai Lama to achieve long-term freedom for Tibet.

The other Co-Chair of AAPGT, Senator Dean Smith, also said in the Senate, “This year Tibet Lobby Day coincides with the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a milestone in the life of a leader whose consistency and moral courage have inspired people across the globe. His story is intertwined with that of Tibet itself—a people who continue to fight for dignity, human rights, and the right to preserve their identity in the face of overwhelming pressure. On this the 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, let us be reminded that true strength is to be found not in domination but in dignity and, of course, enduring hope.”

Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Australian Greens’ spokesperson for democracy and climate change, and energy, said in the Senate, “The succession of the Dalai Lama is a sacred tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, and Australians must take a principled stance in condemning any interference by the Chinese government. As democracy, we have the responsibility to stand with the Tibetan people. Australia must affirm that Tibet’s status is unresolved, press for genuine dialogue, and support for the preservation of their culture and way of life.”

Senator Nick McKim, who is the Australian Greens Whip, also highlighted that the Chinese government continues to interfere in the cultural and spiritual life of Tibetans, including preparation for the future succession of the Dalai Lama. He emphasised that any Dalai Lama appointed by the Chinese government has no legitimacy, and Chinese government interference in the choice of a new Dalai Lama is unacceptable.  He further said that it is time for the Australian government to declare and support self-determination for the Tibetan people.”

This year marks the 14th Tibet Lobbying launched by the Australia Tibet Council in collaboration with Tibetan Community Associations across Australia.

-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Canberra