'China has eyes on our community': scared Tibetans appeal to federal parliament

Newcastle Jets Academy player and Newcastle University scholarship student Shiwa Dul is among those participating in the delegation.

He said this year's Tibet Lobby Day was particularly significant for Hunter Tibetans following recent inquiries from Chinese Chinese Consul General Wang Yu about their whereabouts.

"Life in Newcastle was great, before the news about China's meetings with the mayor," Mr Dul, who is studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science, said.

"It feels like you're not in Australia any more, not a safe citizen because there's that burden that China has their eyes on our community in Newcastle, and the Australian Government stays silent.

"We don't feel completely safe here anymore."

He said he was grateful for the opportunity to play soccer.

"Newcastle gave me the opportunity to go into an elite sport pathway, if I wasn't here, I don't know if that would've happened, so I'm grateful to be part of the Jets," he said.

Mr Dul said he knew Newcastle Tibetans who've been fearful in their homes.

"It's incredibly unsettling," he said.

"That's why we've come to Canberra, China is trying to silence and pressure Tibetans and we want to feel safe here. We need the Australian Government to stand up for Tibetans and uphold Australian values of freedom, dignity and human rights, with real action," he said.

In their meetings with federal parliamentarians, delegates highlighted concerns for Tibet's future and global human rights.

They also pressed for an end to China's repressive policies against Tibetans, including those living in Australia.

The Australia Tibet Council has also urged the Australian Government to recognise a Dalai Lama chosen through Tibetan Buddhist practices and traditions, without Chinese Communist Party interference.