Slipper joins Dalai Lama fans

Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on the Sunshine Coast today.

THOUSANDS of Sunshine Coast residents and guests have flocked to hear the wisdom of the Dalai Lama in the small hinterland town of Eudlo today.

One of the Coast’s biggest fans, deputy speaker Peter Slipper, was among those in the front row to hear the spiritual leader of Tibet.

The Member for Fisher earlier co-hosted a visit by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Parliament House in Canberra.

Mr Slipper is co-convenor of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet, which includes Labor MPMichael Danby MP, Greens Senator Bob Brown and Independent Senator Nick Xenophon.

“This has been a great opportunity with over ninety Members and Senators to meet the Dalai Lama and listen to his message of tolerance and respect,” Mr Slipper said.

“People of all faiths and backgrounds can learn from someone who has undergone the challenges of dispossession, persecution and suffering that he has, yet is still able to maintain a happy and positive outlook on life.”

Mr Slipper greeted His Holiness at Parliament House and guided him through the House to the various meetings and events including private meetings with the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Tony Abbott MP.

The Dalai Lama also met with Leader of the National Party the Hon Warren Truss MP and the Leader of the Greens, Senator Bob Brown and a had a media conference with the Canberra press gallery. 

“It was a pity the Prime Minister did not meet with His Holiness,’’ Mr Slipper said.

MPs also attended a religious leaders prayer event held in the Main Committee room with 300 attendees, co-hosted an intimate luncheon with the members of the Australian Parliamentary Group for Tibet and sat on the panel for a formal reception with members of Parliament, Senators and Diplomatic Corps.

Mr Slipper then guided His Holiness to the House of Representatives Chamber where he was formally recognised by the Speaker of the Parliament.

“It was a moving moment when all of the Members of Parliament looked up to acknowledge His Holiness in the gallery.’’

Special pictorial coverage in Friday's Sunshine Coast Daily.