Unprecedented security will surround His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visit to Australia.
The Dalai Lama will deliver five-days of intensive meditation teaching at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park from June 11–15, 2008.
Around 5000 people are expected to attend the Stages of Meditation teaching, which involves meditation and discussion sessions from early morning till evening each day.
The event, however, will see unprecedented security for the Tibetan spiritual leader, including steel fencing around the site, bag searches and wand searches of all visitors.
Ian Green, the chairman of the Dalai Lama in Australia Organisation, which is bringing the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate to Sydney, told Fairfax news that the security measures were a complete contrast to those used during his visit 12 months ago.
"We've received advice from the state police and also from our own security advisers that we need to increase the levels of security quite dramatically," Mr Green said. "These measures are unprecedented for His Holiness in this country. I think it's incredibly disappointing."
The security measures follow on from concerns about aggressive pro–China protests surrounding the Olympic Torch's global tour.
Two federal government ministers will meet with the Dalai Lama during his Australian tour, but Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will not.
A Federal Government spokesperson today told AAP that Immigration Minister Chris Evans would meet with the Dalai Lama. Mr Evans is acting prime minister while Mr Rudd and Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard are overseas.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith will also meet the Dalai Lama during his visit, the spokesperson said.
"This reflects the Dalai Lama's status as an international religious leader and the significant domestic interest in the Dalai Lama's visit, including from the Tibetan immigrant community in Australia,'' the spokesperson said.
Mr Rudd is due back in Australia from his trip to Japan and Indonesia on Saturday June 14.
Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has meanwhile confirmed he will meet with His Holiness during his visit.
Australian musicians have also stepped out in support of the Dalai Lama. A concert titled Peace and Compassion is to be held Sunday June 15 at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place.
Described as a "fusion of world, pop and classical/contemporary music" the two hour concert will include the Gyotu Monks in a Tibetan Buddhist Blessing, shakuhachi flute player Riley Lee, Australian taiko drum group Taikoz, Synergy Percussion and the MLC Chamber Choir.
Katie Noonan, from popular band George, Jimmy Little and Steve Kilby will be just some of the solo artists performing during the concert.
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