AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL HONG KONG
(18 December 2002) We understand the need for the Hong Kong Government to enact legislation on national security to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law.
We appreciate the firm assurances given at senior level to Mr Alexander Downer, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. on his visit to Hong Kong on 11 November, that the Hong Kong Government would ensure that the full range of human rights provided for under the Basic Law and through its obligations under international human rights covenants would continue to be protected.
Given the importance of the proposed legislation for the successful operation of “one country, two systems”, these assurances are very welcome to Australia.
The proposed legislation will cover a range of complicated and sensitive issues. We look to the Hong Kong Government to allow sufficient opportunity and time for full public consultation to allay concerns that basic freedoms will be affected, and to enable balanced and carefully drafted legislation to emerge.
In our discussions with the Hong Kong Government on this matter we have raised a number of concerns for their consideration.
We look to the Hong Kong Government to ensure the basic freedoms that are so important to Hong Kong’s ongoing success as an international business centre with an attractive way of life. We will continue to follow closely the further development of the proposed legislation.
Posting date: 20/Dec/2002
Original article date: 18/Dec/2002
Category: Australian News
