19th November 2002

Dear Bill and Esther

Thank you for sending us your letter about the members of your family who have been persecuted because they are practitioners of Falun Gong.

The Greens share your concerns about the Chinese Government's treatment of Falun Gong practitioners.

Members of the Australian Government, including the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister, are very willing to talk with their Chinese counterparts about trade, investment and making money, but not about the basic human rights we espouse as a free and democratic country.

It is important for people to realise that the Chinese Government continues to support a crackdown on a range of [groups], particularly Falun Gong.

You may be aware that Bob Brown and I raised this issue when Bob moved a matter of urgency motion in relation to human rights violations in China and Li Peng's recent visit to Australia. I have attached a copy of my speech for your information.

Last week we also posed two questions to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. I have enclosed the questions for your information.

Unfortunately I am not in a position to take on individual cases. However the Greens will continue to campaign against these human rights abuses both in Parliament and in the broader community.

Thank you again for sharing your story with me and I wish you the best of luck in your search for Justice.

Kerry Nettle

Australian Greens Senator for NSW