The concessions announced on Saturday would notably see the removal of a provision enabling authorities to proscribe organisations banned in China, including the Falun Gong spiritual movement.

The TV channels that usually report Hong Kong news in Guangdong Province were showing other programs, and the Chinese media reported only celebration activities held by the Hong Kong government.

President of Hong Kong Reporters Association Ms. Cheong Bingling said that the amendment could not eliminate the concerns of the association. Adding public interest as a defense only answered one of the demands of the media circle.

Fears over the whereabouts of a Beijing-based member of the Falungong spiritual movement grew Sunday after she was reportedly arrested by mainland Chinese State security.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff added New Zealand’s voice to a growing international chorus urging the Hong Kong government to reject the mainland-sponsored law when it comes up before the legislature on 9 July.

“We urge (the government) to make every effort to ensure that civil liberties are not lessened by the proposed legislation,” said a statement from Chris Gallus, assistant minister to Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

Critically, it would mean that organisations banned in mainland China could not operate lawfully in Hong Kong. This would include groups such as Falun Gong and could potentially be extended to include churches human rights groups, trade unions and even opposition political parties.

Portesters see the laws as a threat to the press freedom and individual liberties Hong Kong enjoys.

Supporters of the Falun Gong movement will stage a mock trial of former Chinese president Jiang Zemin in Brisbane tomorrow.

For example, Hong Kong could decide to suddenly ban groups, such as the Falun Gong, which is allowed to exist in the city but is outlawed on the mainland.