Statement on protests in Hong Kong

Australia has a substantial interest in Hong Kong's success, home to one of our biggest expatriate communities globally and our largest commercial presence in Asia.

There is intense public interest and international community concern at events in Hong Kong.

Australia supports the right of people to protest peacefully and to exercise their freedom of speech, and we urge all sides to show restraint and avoid violence.

The Australian Government believes it is important that any changes to Hong Kong's extradition arrangements are pursued in keeping with regular processes of government and resolved in a way that fully respects Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and upholds the rights and freedoms enshrined in Hong Kong's Basic Law under the 'one country, two systems' framework.

The Australian Consul-General in Hong Kong has raised concerns about the proposed amendments at senior levels within the Hong Kong government and with the Executive and Legislative Councils.

DFAT keeps its travel advisories under close review. On 12 June, DFAT issued an update to the travel advice for Hong Kong advising Australian citizens that they may encounter demonstrations or protests in Hong Kong and to avoid large public gatherings.