May 28, 2002

(Clearwisdom.net) Every few months, Australia's State of Queensland Premier Peter Beattie and his Cabinet members hold a public-relations forum. Seeing this month's meeting advertised in a local Chinese newspaper, a group of Dafa practitioners decided to attend.

The practitioners in attendance at the May 26 event were of different nationalities and age groups, including some who did not speak English. Each practitioner had his or her own special contribution. The hall was arranged with a head table in front for the Premier, and other tables alongside for the Cabinet Ministers. A few practitioners, arriving early, talked with Members of Parliament, while others clarified the truth amongst the other guests. Some practitioners sent righteous thoughts to maintain a pure energy field. Within an hour, Dafa practitioners had spoken with almost every Minister present, and each one had accepted information about the persecution of Falun Gong.

Queensland's police force holds Dafa practitioners in high regard. When the Police Commissioner arrived, before he took his seat at the table, he went around and greeted practitioners. When the meeting was underway, a practitioner explained to the police about the harassment faced by local practitioners because they practice Falun Gong. They were surprised to hear this, and could hardly believe that the suppression of Falun Gong had extended into Australia. They advised the practitioners to file a detailed report with the Australian police. Toward the end of the meeting, one police officer said to us, "Our police force knows that you are a very peaceful group. Our branch office in the north once called us saying that the activities you conducted in their jurisdiction were very peaceful and that your group was very cooperative."

That day, the atmosphere in the hall was quite special. It was open, warm, and receptive. When the meeting was coming to a close, and the practitioners were about to leave, we heard a friendly voice say, "Come and let's have a chat." The voice was that of the publisher of a newspaper who had just walked in with another prominent member of the local Chinese community, a doctor. While introducing the doctor to us, the publisher started telling the others gathered around, "You must learn Falun Gong. It is really good. I have enjoyed reading every book they have given me." Turning around and speaking to us he said, "Let me know if there's anything I can do to be of assistance. If you have any more activities, I would be happy to put an advertisement in the paper for you, free of charge!" We then offered them truth clarifying VCDs and some other information regarding Falun Gong, which they happily accepted.