His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Robert Blackwood Hall

A packed audience of over 1500 people at Robert Blackwood Hall on Friday 8 June 2007 heard an address by his Holiness the Dalai Lama on "The Middle Way: a peaceful approach to resolving conflict" .   The event was co-hosted by the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law and the Australia Tibet Council.

Castan Centre Director Professor Sarah Joseph said:  “It was a great honour for us to host the Dalai Lama who is clearly a significant world figure in the arena of Human Rights. The Centre was proud to be able to continue the collaborative relationship which Ron Castan, after whom the centre is named, had with his Holiness.”

Master of Ceremonies for the event was Peter Mares, presenter of the ABC Radio National program "The National Interest".  ABC Radio National recorded the event and broadcast an edited version on their 'Big Ideas' program on Sunday 17 June. 

Dr Keith Suter, one of Australia's leading economic, social and religious commentators, gave an opening address, "The New Era of Warfare", which gave context to the issues under discussion at the event.

Following Dr Suter's address, Peter Mares welcomed the Dalai Lama to the stage.  He also invited Professor Lynette Russell, Director, Centre of Australian Indigenous Studies, Monash University, onto the stage to offer an 'Acknowledgement of Country' on behalf of the Elders of the Wurundjeri.  

His Holiness the Dalai Lama then spoke at length about Tibet, its history and customs, the historical and current relationship between Tibet, China and other countries, and the importance of the "Middle Way".

An interactive discussion with the Dalai Lama and a panel of experts took place  following his address.  The panel comprised Piers Akerman, Columnist, Daily Telegraph; Professor Bee Chen Goh, Head of School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University; Emeritus Professor Colin Mackerras, Department of International Business and Asian Studies, Griffith University; and Dr Keith Suter.

At the conclusion of the event traditional white Tibetan scarves, with the inscription 'the person who wears this should be happy day and night'  were presented by the Dalai Lama to the chair of the Australia Tibet Council, director of the Castan Centre, the master of ceremonies and panelists.

The Dalai Lama thanked everyone for attending the event.  He also expressed his deep appreciation and thanks to the individuals and organisations who help Tibet, not as pro-Tibetan but pro-justice.

Links:
Transcript of the Dalai Lama's address "The Middle Way: a peaceful approach to resolving conflict"
Dr Keith Suter's opening address "The New Era of Warfare"
Interactive discussion with the Dalai Lama and a panel of experts
Edited broadcast of the Dalai Lama address on the ABC National Radio program "Big Ideas" 17 June
Australia Tibet Council
Peter Mares, presenter ABC Radio National program "The National Interest"
Expert panel profiles:
Piers Akerman, Columnist, Daily Telegraph
Professor Bee Chen Goh, Head of School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross University
Emeritus Professor Colin Mackerras, Department of International Business and Asian Studies, Griffith University
Dr Keith Suter