Mr. Damian Willis, the Liberal Democrat candidate for federal MP for the Dunkley constituency in Victoria, said, “Today’s event will make more people aware of the persecution. Internationally, we really need to pay close attention to what the CCP is doing.”

He said he often passes by the Falun Dafa practice site which is located in a famous seaside scenic spot. He said, “Falun Dafa practitioners are absolutely peaceful people. I can’t imagine anyone wanting to persecute such a group of people. So I will speak out for them as much as possible.”

The Courage in the April 25 Appeal Is Encouraging

Varen Goyal, a credit analyst working for one of Australia’s largest commercial banks, stopped when he passed Princes Bridge that day and signed the petition to end the persecution.

It was the first time he’s heard about Falun Dafa and the persecution. He said, “The persecution of a peaceful group, which started after a peaceful petition and lasted for 23 years, shocks me. This is very wrong. Everyone should have the right to express his feelings and beliefs in public. Falun Dafa practitioners are here to tell the people what happened, which is great.” He said he signed the petition because he wanted to help stop the persecution.

Goyal also said that the petition of 10,000 people was encouraging. “After the Tiananmen Massacre on June 4, 1989, there were still such a group of people gathering and expressing their demands peacefully, which is inspiring and encouraging. They faced a very difficult situation. The authoritarian government never allows people to express their feelings freely.”

He wished everyone could find a way to help stop the persecution after learning what happened. He said he would learn more about Falun Dafa. Before leaving, he asked where the nearest Falun Dafa practice site was and said he wanted to experience it for himself.

Veteran: Human Rights are a Universal Issue

David, a veteran and human rights activist who served in the Australian Army in the 1970s, supported the commemoration that day. He said, “Today is a special day that represents the spirit of Australians fighting for freedom. Because of this, I find it very meaningful to see practitioners’ petition today revealing the horrific persecution taking place in China.”

He emphasised, “Human rights are a universal issue that everyone should be concerned about at all times.”

Jacob, a Melbourne university student majoring in journalism, went to the Princes Bridge to take photos that day to complete his homework. He was drawn by the practitioners’ event and stopped to talk with them.

Jacob said, “This peaceful petition has revealed to us the political and social oppression that is taking place in China. There are many human rights issues in China, such as organ harvesting, forced labor camps, etc. which are chilling. But there is a lack of sufficient attention and reporting about this across the world.”

“So many people come out and express their demands peacefully. It is an inspiring act and a constant pressure on the CCP. I hope their demands will be successful.”