Chinese Voice: 華聲集

By Huynh Huy and 黃惠元

本書百多篇時評，中英對照，選自澳洲華聲日報八年間的社論，非常適合關心國際時事或對國際新聞用英文有興趣的讀者閱讀，依發表時間的先後編列而成。

 

黃惠元（Huynh Huy），知名的新聞工作者，祖籍中國福建南安，自幼僑居印支（中南半島）。曾任越南堤岸中文《大夏日報》記者、編輯。一九五六年移居柬埔寨，從事教育工作，曾任實居華僑中學校長。一九八一年移居墨爾本，八六年起任澳洲《華聲日報》（後改名《澳洲日報》）主筆兼駐墨爾本代表，自副社長一職退休。重要的著作有長篇小說《苦海情鴛──血淚浸濕的高棉農村》、時論選集《華聲集》、《異國家鄉》等，現為澳洲華文作家協會會員，持續筆耕。

• Language: 中文
• Publisher: EHGBooks
• Release date: Apr 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781625038708

Book preview

Logo EHGBooks.jpg

EHG Books公司出版

Amazon.com 總經銷

2014 年版權美國登記

未經授權不許翻印全文或部分

及翻譯為其他語言或文字

2014 年 EHGBooks第一版

Copyright © 2014 by Huynh Huy

Manufactured in United States

Permission required for reproduction，

or translation in whole or part.

Contact：[e-mail]

ISBN-13：978-1-62503-100-6

序一／康丹

在澳大利亞多元文化社會中，華裔澳大利亞人的形象通常都很好，如醫生，律師，會計，名列前茅的中學大學華裔學生，華人的遵紀守法，勤懇工作等等。大多數人已認識到中國文化的獨特與豐富，中國語言的難以掌握但充滿魅力，甚至中國各地的烹調也饒有吸引力。這本書的出版在當代澳洲華人史上是件大事——對於不懂中文的澳洲人，第一次可以自己瞭解一些澳洲華人對廣泛社會問題和國際問題的看法。

《華聲報》的辦報方針一貫是成為澳洲公民的華人，不論他們是否出生在此，也不論他們在此已居住了幾十年或者新來不久：他們首先是澳洲人。接受澳大利亞國籍意味著權利和責任。權利包括政治參與及對社會問題發表意見，也就是享受所有政治，經濟社會的權利，一如其他任何澳洲人。責任則包括從澳洲國家，人民的立場來評價事物，對經濟，教育，文化作出自己貢獻。

接受澳大利亞國籍當然不意味著放棄中國的語言，文化及風俗。相反，這些知識應當用來為澳洲服務。《華聲報》對多元文化政策的有力支持，不僅是為了保持華人的文化歸屬感，而是更進一步為了豐富澳洲文化。

自然的，華人對某些問題比其他人有更大興趣及理解，這本書收集的社論反映了這些話題：如東南亞的難民，大陸學生居留，澳大利亞與中國大陸，臺灣，東南亞各國的關係等——但所有這些評論都是從澳洲的立場及利益出發。這本集子也涉及到具體問題，如新移民如何需要尊重澳洲社會的道德風俗；中醫藥物及針炙的正規化及中醫生的資格承認；澳洲中文教育；華人在澳參政及華人在教育文化等方面的成就。還有一些社論則關於國際形勢，如蘇聯的解體，共產主義在東歐的消亡；蘇聯、東歐形勢對亞洲共產黨政權的影響及中國大陸，臺灣，越南等地區的經濟發展。由於許多華人來自這些地區，他們對那裡的政治，經濟往往有真切的瞭解，這些不是我們可以從新聞媒介或短期逗留那裡的西方記者處可以瞭解到的。

這個集子收入了八年來作者在華聲報發表的社論，社論以中英文刊出，對非華裔澳洲人算是個很難得的機會，一般來說澳洲社會並無對華人的歧視與偏見，但由於語言障礙，非華裔澳洲人要瞭解華人的想法與成就相當困難。現在有一些關於澳洲華人歷史的研究專著，但很少出自華人之手。讀了這本書，讓人產生對華人的尊敬及瞭解到華人在澳大利亞社會的不可分割的角色。

康丹

澳大利亞墨爾本大學中文系主任

PREFACE

The various images of Australian Chinese in the multicultural mosaic of contemporary Australia are generally very positive: the professional doctors, lawyers and accountants; the outstanding scholastic achievements of high-school and university students; a hardworking, law abiding community. Most Australians are also aware of the rich and exotic Chinese culture, the difficult but fascinating language and the attractions of Chinese regional cuisine. The publication of this book, however, marks a new and important stage in the history and contemporary situation of Australian Chinese - for the first time Australians who cannot read Chinese can actually get some insight into what Australian Chinese actually think about a broad variety of contemporary issues.

The general editorial policy of The Chinese Herald is that Australian citizens of Chinese origin are first and foremost Australians - whether they were born here or not, whether they have been here for decades or are more recent arrivals. Having accepted Australian citizenship implies rights and duties - the rights include the right to political participation and to speak out on current issues; the right to enjoy all political, economic and social rights enjoyed by all Australians. The duties include the need to judge every issue from the point of view of the general good of Australia and its citizens, and to contribute to the general economic, educational and cultural wellbeing of all Australians.

Having adopted Australian citizenship, however, does not mean that Australian Chinese have to put their knowledge of the Chinese language, culture, customs and other aspects of their past behind them. On the contrary, these assets should be used in the service of all Australians have a greater interest, and often a clearer understanding, not only as a way of maintaining cultural identity amongst the Chinese, but even more so as a contribution to enriching Australian culture in every sense.

It is natural that there are many issues on which Chinese Australians have a greater interest, and often a clearer understanding, than Australians of other backgrounds. The editorials collected in this book reflect those concerns - refugees from South East Asia; students from Mainland China, Australia's relations with China, Taiwan and countries of South East Asia and so on - but all from an Australian perspective; all from the point of view of the greater good. Other editorials are on more specific issues: the need for recent migrants to respect Australian social mores, the regularizations of Chinese medicine and acupuncture and the status of its practitioners in Australia; Chinese language education, the participation of Chinese Australians in Australian politics and other educational and cultural achievements of Australians of Chinese background.

Other editorials are on subjects of wider concern: the collapse of the Soviet Union and Communism in Europe and the implications for Communism in Asia and commentaries on developments within China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Vietnam and other areas. Again, Chinese Australians who actually came from those places have unique insights into the political and economic conditions there, which can supplement, from a different perspective, the reports we receive through the Australian media and journalists of non-Chinese origin currently resident in those countries.

This collection of editorials from The Chinese Herald over a period of seven years is a remarkable achievement. Their publication in English, as well as Chinese, can give non-Chinese Australians a greater appreciation of the attitudes of Chinese Australians. There is not a considerable degree of intolerance or discrimination against Chinese in Australia, but the language barrier has made it very difficult for non-Chinese Australians to gain much understanding of the attitudes and achievements of the Chinese here. There have been many studies of the Chinese in Australia, but few written by Chinese themselves. Reading these editorials can only give us a very real sense of respect for the Chinese Australian, and a greater appreciation of the role that Chinese Australians play, and will continue to develop, in Australian national life.

Dr. Daniel Kane

Department of Chinese, University of Melbourne

序二／華人之聲

——為文贈黃惠元先生《華聲日報社論集》

本報主筆黃惠元先生為《華聲日報》撰寫社論八年餘，這其中歷經不少時代的變遷，人物的更迭，但惠元先生懷著太史公的胸懷，持董狐筆的謹慎，為歷史留下見證，每篇社論細細讀來，字字擲地有聲，篇篇令人頓首。

澳洲雖然中文報業日漸蓬勃，競爭激烈，質量也相對提高，但每周定時出社論的僅有華聲日報，八年不輟，這項功勞當然首歸黃惠元先生，可是讀者難以想像在幕後惠元先生的恒心與毅力，令他增添白髮多少？

在澳洲二百年歷史變遷中，八年僅是小小的一程，可是就澳洲華人歷史演變而言，這近十年增長的速度，遠勝於二百年來澳洲華人在這塊土地上的發展。先是印支難民船隊抵澳。接著，澳洲廢除了白澳政策，大舉開放亞裔移民的到來，近年更一批一批的批准中國留學生的居留：澳洲整體華人十餘年間由敷萬人直逼四十萬大關，這其中演變，惠元在其社論中不但起了鼓吹作用，而且為歷史留下了見證，讀它；不但令下一代新移民為歷史演變的神速而感慨，未來也為我們的子孫留下斑斑可考的紀實。

在墨爾本，人們一談及華聲日報，直覺得反應是黃惠元與翁光雄，翁君與黃君幾乎成了華聲日報在墨爾本的代名詞了。可是鮮少人知道華聲的社論是每周由墨爾本傳真至雪梨的。翁君來自越南，黃君來自柬埔寨，在國內（不論大陸或臺灣）我們稱那是海外，可是二君的每篇文稿不論書論宜理，用字遣詞，經常令我們編輯部這些來自國內，自小受中文教育的同仁感到汗顏，惠元先生的社論集讓讀者能有機會一口氣得其精髓，這也是讀者的福氣。

華聲日報是澳洲唯一土生土長的華文日報，創報開始黃惠元即參加工作至今，雖然報館內同仁來自世界各地不同角落，但我們都把澳洲當成我們的家，黃惠元先生的社論本著這個立場，不論在論理及方針上都反映我們海外華人的共同心聲與企盼。八年來不論對澳洲政府及對海峽二岸三地的祖國，我們時時提出建言。八年過去了，社論集即將出版，但社論還繼續持續著，我們希望還有另二個八年，八十年，甚至八百年，也希望《華聲社論集》能有二、三……集的出版。

魏文帝在典論論文中道：蓋文章，經國之大業，不朽之盛事。年壽有時而盡，榮辱止乎其身，二者必至之常期，未若文章之無窮。惠元先生的八年社論，以其心血描述二十世紀末期澳洲華文報在澳洲開拓歷程與心聲，此一成果自應留書予後人，其精神可嘉，其毅力可佩，謹以此文為贈權當序。

澳洲華聲日報社長

黃豐裕

一九九五年二月

THE VOICE OF CHINESE PEOPLE

- Written as a gift to Mr. Huang Hui Yuan（Huy Huynh） for his [Collection of Chinese Herald Editorials]

-- Roger Huang

The chief writer of this newspaper Mr. Huang Hui Yuan has been writing the editorial for [Chinese Herald] for eight years. Within this period the world has seen a lot of changes in terms of the times and the people. But Mr. Huang has exercised considerable perception and care to bear witness to history. As we go over the words and pages of each editorial we cannot help but be impressed.

Even though the Chinese newspapers in Australia are flourishing, the competition is keen and the standard has elevated, only the Chinese Herald has been publishing its editorials regularly for eight years. The credit must surely go to Mr. Huang Hui Yuan. However, do the readers know how much grey hair Mr. Huang has added to himself through his hard work and perseverance?

In the two hundred years of history of Australia, eight years is only a very small fraction. But as far as the historical development of Chinese people in Australia goes, this near ten years has surpassed the two hundred years. Firstly it was the arriving at Australia by boat of the Indochinese refugees. Subsequently Australia abolished its White Australia Policy and opened its door to Asian immigration. In recent years it even allowed groups upon groups of Chinese students to reside here. The population of Chinese people in Australia has increased from several tens of thousands to nearly four hundred thousand within ten years or so. Amid this change Mr. Huang's editorials have not only provided encouragement, but have also provided historical evidence. In reading them the new migrants would not only reflect upon the pace of developments, but would also derive good records for their children and grandchildren.

In Melbourne, as soon as people mention the Chinese Herald they would think of Huang Hui Yuan and Weng Jun Xiong. These two gentlemen have almost become synonymous with the Chinese Herald in Melbourne. However. not many people know that the editorials have been faxed from Melbourne to Sydney every week. Mr. Yung came from Vietnam and Mr. Huang came from Cambodia. In China [mainland or Taiwan] we call those places overseas, but the writings of these two gentlemen, whether in the respect of rhetoric or logic and usage of words or terms, often put us in the editorial department to shame who came from China and have been educated in Chinese from a young age. Mr. Huang's collection of editorials enables the readers to take in the essence. This is the readers’ good fortune.

The Chinese Herald is the only locally bred Chinese newspaper in Australia. Mr. Huang Hui Yuan has been working for this newspaper from its inception. Even though our colleagues come from different parts of the world we all consider Australia as our home. Mr. Huang's editorials have held onto this principle. They reflect the common voice and inspiration of us, the overseas Chinese in the respect of rationale and direction. In these eight years we have often put forward suggestions to our three mother countries: Australia and the two shores of the Strait. Eight years have passed. The collection of editorials will soon be published, but the editorials are still continuing. We hope to see another eight years, eight years hundred years, and hope that the Chinese Herald collection of editorials can have the second, third ...issues.

The Wei Wen Emperor once said, Writings are the enterprise of a nation and great marvels that do not perish. Our longevity will end with time. Our glory and belittlement will end with the body. They are not like writing that is permanent. Mr. Huang's editorials of eight years have recorded, with his blood and sweat, the process and voices of the development of Chinese newspaper in Australia in the late twentieth century. Such an achievement should surely be put into a book for later generations. The spirit is commendable. The perseverance is admirable. I being junior, dare not write the foreword, but would only offer this article as a gift.

序三／海外的華文報業

在臺灣求學時代，我即關注國內外的中英文媒體，並開始為之撰寫評析專文。上世紀六十年代，王惕吾與余紀忠分別在台灣創辦《聯合報》及《中國時報》，迅速成為台灣的兩大報業集團，以至今日，發揮了無比的媒體影響力。一九七六年，王惕吾派遣馬克任來紐約創辦《世界日報》；余紀忠也不甘示弱，稍後指派專人來美開辦《中國時報》美國版。台灣報業集團的競爭從台灣延續到美國，但《中國時報》因種種原因，最後決定將美國版停刊。《世界日報》現已成為海外第一大華文報，有能力與之競爭者只有來自香港的《星島日報》。

今年一月我訪問紐約，曾與《世界日報》社長楊仁烽暢談。他介紹世報所推動的質與量及其他方面的改革，為我留下了深刻的印象。他強調世報為一份「美國特色」的報刊；他認為新聞工作者應「有所為，有所不為，心中有自由，但筆下要有責任」。

最近臺灣學人出版網寄贈黃惠元所著的《華聲集》一冊。此書包含惠元先生在澳大利亞《華聲日報》所發表的社論選集一百多篇。黃惠元曾在東南亞中文媒體工作，一九八六年起在澳洲《華聲日報》（現已改名為《澳洲日報》）主持筆政，撰寫社論，現結集出版。這些社論（每篇均以中英文版本刊出），文字精簡，言之有物，評析的範圍相當廣泛，包括兩岸問題、國際關係、政經改革及其他數十項海內外人士關心的議題。

黃惠元先生雖身海外，但心繫中華民族，關心海峽兩岸的政經發展、交流、合作與改革。他的文章透露了他的熱情關懷與良知良能。他不是隔岸觀火，也不是冷眼，而是熱情、智慧；他實是一位走出象牙塔的知識份子。《華聲日報》現已成為澳洲最有影響力的華文媒體。他的新書值得海內外各方人士閱讀，故樂意為之推薦。

美國西東大學退休榮譽教授

楊力宇

2014夏

自序／黃惠元

本書百多篇時評，是選自澳洲華聲日報8年間的社論，依發表時間的先後編列而成。

澳洲華聲報創刊於1986年5月6日，總部在雪梨，銷行全澳各地。開始是周報，至92年，有重大進展，連跳三級，是年初改為週雙報，9月改為雙日報，12月發展至日報以迄於今。自86年5月底起，每週均有一篇社論，開始只有中文，由89年4月21日起至94年3月12日止，報社先後聘請江靜枝小姐及李潤輝先生將社論英譯，中英文並列刊出，90年6月前是江小姐譯的，之後是李先生譯的。華聲報仝仁自始至今，都是以澳洲華裔公民的身份辦報，社論也是以澳洲華商公民的立場、觀點去評論國內外事物，這點讀者閱後自會明白。

感謝華聲報前任社長楊漢勇先生和現任社長黃豐裕先生對我的信任支持，聘我參與撰寫社論。在寫作過程中，深感自己害着知識貧乏病，每選定論題後落筆前，對與論題有關的問題及論據，為力求翔實與準確，不得不查閱多種資料：也常向各界知識精英請教，他們中有澳洲社會科學院院士、學者，大學教授、講師、律師，社會活動家、醫生、社圑領袖……等，他們已成為我的良師益友和實際顧問，每當念及他們不厭其煩地賜予指教，深受感動。

本書的出版，得到多位人士義務協助：墨爾本大學中文系主任康丹博上花大量時間閱讀全書稿件後寫序；社會活動家陳之彬先生代譯89年以前所選各篇及附錄一篇；畫家傅紅先生設計封面；詩人和書法家廖蘊山先生寫中文書名及題詞相贈；國際公證律師賴巨榮先生和澳華歷史博物館董事局主席、寶康圖書文具公司董事長區鎮標先生對出版的有關法律問題及手續問題給予指點；多位好友在精神上給予鼓勵外，還預訂一批，以示贊助，隆情厚誼，銘感殊深，謹致萬分誠摯謝意。

本書錯謬之處，歡迎讀者指正。

黃惠元 謹識

1995年於澳大利亞墨爾本

FOREWORD

The hundred or so articles included in this book have been selected from eight years of editorial views published in the Chinese Herald of Australia, listed in their order of publication.

The Chinese Herald of Australia was established on May 6, 1986, with its head offices in Sydney and distributed nation-wide. At the beginning it was published as a weekly. In 1992 three major advances were made, over a short period of time. Early that year, publication frequency was changed to two issues per week; in September it was changed to an issue every second day, and finally in December Chinese Herald became a daily, and has been going strong ever since.

Since late May 1986, the Chinese Herald has carried a weekly editorial column. Initially, this column was written in Chinese only. Beginning April 21, 1989, until March 12, 1994, it appeared in both Chinese and English, the English translation being done by Mrs. Veronica Oyeung and Mr. Francis Lee: up to June 1990 by Ms. Chiang, and subsequently by Mr. Lee.

From the very beginning, everyone who participated in the production of the Chinese Herald has done so with a conscious commitment to community service as Australian citizens of Chinese heritage. The editorials also adopted the same objective viewpoint to assess, and comment on, national and international issues. The reader will become well aware of this as you read on.

I would like to express my heart-felt appreciation of the trust and support given me by both publishers of the Chinese Herald - the foundation Publisher, Mr. Hon Ding Duong, and the current Publisher, Mr. Roger Huang, permitting me to write this editorial column. In the process of writing this column, I have been deeply conscious of my inadequacy as far as true knowledge was concerned. Each time, after selecting the topic but before putting pen to paper, so that as many of the relevant issues were canvassed and considered, and so that this was done with accuracy and clarity, I had had to search hard for background materials. In this I have been fortunate to have many who were expert in diverse fields willing to guide me. Included amongst them were senior members of research institutes in social sciences, university professors and lecturers, social activists, doctors, community leaders, and so on. They have been my teachers and advisors. I am always deeply moved by their friendship whenever I think of the trouble they have been willing to go to, for my guidance.

The Publication of this anthology received the assistance of many, notably: Dr. Daniel Kane, Head of the Department of Chinese, Melbourne University, spent valuable time reading my manuscript and writing a preface; Mr. Tsebin Tchen translated for me my pre·1989 selections and the appendix: renowned artist Mr. Fu Hong did the cover design; famous Chinese poet and calligrapher Mr. Tang Lieu did the Chinese title and the illustration; international legal expert Mr. Baptista K. W. Lai, and Mr. Bill Au, Chairman of the Museum of Chinese Australian History and of the Po Hong Company, helped me solve many of the problems associated with publication and distribution.

I am deeply in debt to these and many other good friends who not only gave me moral support, but also responded by placing advance orders. Nothing I can say adequately to express my appreciation of their friendship.

All errors are my responsibility alone. I would welcome readers to point them out to me.

Huy Huynh

Melbourne, 1995

「多元文化主義對澳大利亞太重要了！」

──在《華聲集》首發典禮上的演說詞

在《華聲集》首發典禮上的演說詞

尊敬的菲立·雷鐸部長閣下：尊敬的嘉賓們，女士們、先生們、朋友們，大家好。

今天晚上這個典禮由於雷鐸部長閣下百忙中撥冗蒞臨以及各位的光臨，使場面顯得這麼盛大隆重，謹表萬分深摯的謝意。

剛才雷鐸部長閣下及幾位貴賓的致詞，對《華聲集》予以這麼高的評價與讚譽，使我深受感動。至於對我個人的過獎之詞，實在愧不敢當，只好當作對我的鞭策與鼓勵。事實上，這本書之能夠面世，主要應歸功於華聲日報，沒有華聲報的創辦，生存與發展，根本就不可能有這本書，我只是做了職份內該做的事而已。假如把華聲日報比做一棵樹，它在我們這個國家的美麗土地上已栽種了十年，今天，它已茁壯成長，花繁葉茂，結果累累，《華聲集》只是這棵樹上繁盛花果中的一部份而已。眾所周知，樹要生長，要靠陽光和雨露，那麼，誰是《華聲日報》這棵樹的陽光和雨露呢？毫無疑問，是廣大的讀者，眾多的廣告戶，文友以及各方面在精神上、行動上支持華聲報的社會賢達、社團領袖、各方人士、包括今晚光臨的所有各位，所以這本書出版所產生的榮耀，應與大家共享。

《華聲集》所選百多篇文章是八年多來在華聲報早已公開發表的社論，其立場、觀點與中心思想，相信大家都了解。我們是澳洲公民，我覺得我們有責任維護澳洲優越的自由民主社會制度。所以，擁護自由民主與多元文化主義，是這本書的中心思想之一。但是自由民主的社會制度優越呢？還是別的什麼社會制度優越？立場不同，觀點也就不同，估計在這方面會引起爭議，在咱們言論自由的國度，這是正常的現象。不過有一點，也許大家都會贊同，就是多元文化主義。剐才部長閣下致詞時，引述了《華聲集》中的幾處論點，表示讚賞，其中有一處是多元文化主義，這真使我萬分高興，相信在座各位都有同感。的確以政治上各族地位平等、經濟上機會均等、文化上各族優秀文化得以發揚傳播交流融匯作為內涵的多元文化主義，對澳大利亞是太重要了，堅持它，各族同胞才會團結一致，國家才會繼續興旺發達。所以我想，今晚各位的光臨，不僅僅是為了祝賀《華聲集》的出版，更重要的是乘此機會，在部長閣下的面前，表達了我們華裔同胞對多元文化政策的支持和擁護，表達我們華裔公民熱愛澳洲，願意和其他民族同胞和睦相處，同舟共濟，共同努力，把我們的國家建設得更美好！這樣，今晚的盛會，意義就更為深刻，而各位的光臨，也顯得格外重要與可貴。

附錄「開創澳華報業史上光輝範例」

按：作者所著澳洲日報（舊名華聲日報）社論選集《華聲集》（中英對照）於一九九六年五月十三日出版發行（並舉行首發禮），之後，報刊、雜誌、電台、電視台廣為報導，轟動全國，茲將刊於一九九六年五月廿五日華聲日報專輯的一篇新聞報導轉錄於此，以誌當日盛況。

【本報墨爾本訊】澳洲華聲日報社論選集《華聲集》（主筆黃惠元先生著作），已正式出版并於五月十三日（星期一）晚，假史賓威著名的美麗華大酒樓隆重舉行首發典禮，聯邦移民部長菲立，雷鐸親臨主持，與會嘉賓包括五十多個社團的領袖、成員及各界名流、社會賢達、作者親友等三百人，濟濟一堂，盛況空前。由於《華聲集》出版，在澳洲報業史上尚屬首創，而雷鐸部長是他就任移民部長以來首次參與墨市華人社會的慶典活動，所以這次典禮，在澳洲華人社會，甚受矚目。

七時左右，嘉賓即陸續到達，七時半，全場爆滿，臨時增加多席。近八時，雷鐸部長蒞臨，全場起立熱烈鼓掌表示歡迎。部長頗為感動，并在當晚的東道主華聲日報社長黃豐裕先生、主筆黃惠元先生陪同下，逐席和與會嘉賓一一握手，親切問候，部長和藹可親的民主政治家風範，給與會嘉賓留下深刻印象，全場氣氛溫馨和悅。

三道菜過後，典禮儀式開始，劉達、游啟慶司儀，黃豐裕社長以英中雙語致歡迎詞，歡迎部長閣下及全體嘉賓的光臨，并闡釋這盛會的重大意義。接著，雷鐸部長致詞，他感謝華聲日報社長對他的邀請，主持這典禮，并祝賀黃惠元先生出版這部書。他說，這本書涉及的問題廣泛，論述深刻，他手持《華聲集》，特別翻開五至六處，介紹幾個重要論點，其中包括自由民主、多元文化等問題，表示讚賞，他還表示非常欽佩華聲日報提供園地發表這些重要文章。最後，他說，他深信這本書會給讀者提供許多靈感并為澳洲的多元文化社會作出貢獻！對部長熱情洋溢的致詞，全場報以熱烈掌聲。

接著應邀致詞嘉賓先後有：澳洲社會科學院院士、莫納石大學講座教授黃有光、墨爾本中華公會主席劉錦照、維省華聯會主席陳文山、澳洲華文作家協會會長張至璋等。

黃教授說：《華聲集》的出版，在澳華報業史上是一個重要里程碑，它概括了很多方面的問題，讀者可以從中得益良多。劉主席讚揚華聲報創辦十年，對宣揚中華文化使之融入澳洲社會厥功至偉。他說：社論是報紙靈魂，他有讀過華聲報的社論，覺得很中肯，至最近才知誰是主筆，他稱讚惠元先生這支筆了得，他引一對聯贈華聲日報及惠元先生：「鐵屑擔重任，叻手著文章」。陳主席說：「惠元先生是一個有才幹、眼光和智慧的人，《華聲集》是他多年的心血結晶，將使澳洲主流社會了解華人心聲，也可使百多幾百年後，我們的子孫後代了解我們這一代人的情況，這成就開創澳華報業史上一個光輝範例。」。張會長說澳洲第一本中英對照社論選集的出版，成就很了不起，它將為華人文化融入澳洲主體文化起橋樑作用，令人敬佩，他為華聲日報與惠元先生的這一成果感到光榮，也分享一份光榮。嘉賓詞畢，黃惠元致謝詞，他對雷鐸部長百忙中抽空蒞臨主持典禮暨各嘉賓光臨，使場面盛大隆重，表示深摯感謝！他說，《華聲集》之能面世，主要歸功華聲日報，他個人只是做份內該做的事。而華聲報之能生存發展，主要依賴眾多讀者，廣告戶、文友及各方人士的支持，因此這本書出版所產生的榮耀，應與大家共享。他說：這本書的中心思想之一是擁護自由民主與多元文化主義，因此，他認為今晚嘉賓光臨不僅僅是為了祝賀這本書出版，更重要是藉此機會在部長閣下面前表達華裔公民對多元文化主義的擁護支持，表達華裔公民熱愛澳洲，願與其他民族兄弟和睦共處，同舟共濟，把澳洲建設得更美好而貢獻力量，這樣，今晚的典禮意義會更為提升。他的發言末段，多次被熱烈的掌聲打斷。

典禮的高潮是剪彩，陪同部長剪彩的，除黃豐裕和黃惠元外，有二十多位當前墨市著名的社團領袖和各方面賢達之士，場面壯觀，部長剪彩畢，高舉《華聲集》，鄭重宣布：「從現在起，這本書正式發行」。全場報以熱烈掌聲，接著全場與會嘉賓每人獲贈一部《華聲集》，該書中英對照厚四百多頁，印刷精美，嘉賓人手一冊，甚為珍視。雷鐸部長再次緊握黃惠元的手，表示熱烈祝賀，多位嘉賓亦紛紛趨前，向黃先生致賀并要求簽名書上留念。

儀式完畢，宴會繼續。美麗華的烹調技藝已聞名墨市，是晚菜餚美味可口，嘉賓讚賞，席間彼此交談甚歡，喜氣洋洋。宴會於十時許始結束。這次首發典禮暨慶祝酒會圓滿成功，在澳華報業史上將留下美談。

（錄自《華聲報》1996年6月25日）

《華聲集》首發典禮照片集錦

《華聲日報》（後來改名《澳洲日報》）總裁黃豐裕致詞

《華聲日報》（後來改名《澳洲日報》總裁黃豐裕致詞.jpg澳大利亞聯邦政府移民部長菲立‧雷鐸閣下親臨主持《華聲集》首發禮並發表熱情洋溢講話.jpg

澳大利亞聯邦政府移民部長菲立‧雷鐸閣下親臨主持《華聲集》首發禮並發表熱情洋溢講話

圖前排左六為雷鐸部長，右五為《華聲日報》總裁黃豐裕，左五為本書作者黃惠元。

作者黃惠元致詞.jpg005.jpg

澳洲華聲日報社論選集《華聲集》（主筆黃惠元先生著作）於1996年正式出版並於五月十三日（星期一）假史賓威著名的美麗華大酒樓隆重舉行首發典禮，聯邦移民部長菲立‧雷鐸親臨主持，與會嘉賓包括五十多個社團的領袖、成員及各界名流、社會賢達、作者親友等三百人，濟濟一堂，盛況空前。由於《華聲集》出版，在澳洲報業史上尚屬首創，而雷鐸部長是他就任移民部長以來首次參與墨市華人社會的慶典活動，所以這次典禮，在澳洲華人社會甚受矚目。

目錄

賀詞

序一／康丹

PREFACE

序二／華人之聲

THE VOICE OF CHINESE PEOPLE

序三／海外的華文報業

自序／黃惠元

FOREWORD

「多元文化主義對澳大利亞太重要了！」

附錄「開創澳華報業史上光輝範例」

《華聲集》首發典禮照片集錦

目錄

言論自由與政治壓力

ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND POLITICAL PRESSURE

所謂「政治難民」與「非政治難民」

WHAT ARE POLITICAL REFUGEES AND NON-POLITICAL REFUGEES

向全澳華人聚會進一言

A TIMELY WORD TO THE CHINESE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONFERENCE

本報週年報慶感言一

FIRST STEP IN A JOURNEY OF TEN THOUSAND LEAGUES - ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY

海外華人奮鬥求存的方針

A DIRECTION FOR OVERSEAS CHINESE COMMUNITY'S ENDEAVOUR TOWARDS SELF-PRESERVATION

實事求是地對待歷史問題

A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO HISTORICAL INJUSTICE

面對甚囂塵上的反亞言論

FACING UP TO THE ANTIASIAN LOBBY

霍克總理義正詞嚴的政治宣言

AN UPRIGHT POLICY STATEMENT FROM PRIME MINISTER HAWKE

己所不欲勿施於人

DO NOT UNTO OTHERS THAT YOU DO NOT DESIRE FOR YOURSELF

一份振奮人心的調查報告

AN EXCITING SURVEY

卡德曼又在開歷史倒車

CADMAN TURNS BACK THE CLOCK

神人共憤的滔天罪行

DEEDS DESPISED BY MAN AND GOD

由雪梨清潔華埠街道談起

TIDYING THE STREETS OF SYDNEY'S CHINATOWN

願居者有其屋

MAY ALL HAVE A HOUSE OF THEIR OWN

多元文化議程影響深遠

THE FAR-REACHING INFLUENCE OF THE MULTICULTURAL AGENDA

擯棄黨派成見認同基本國策

DISCARD PARTY PREJUDICE AND ACCEPT BASIC NATIONAL POLICIES

陳香梅的金石良言

THE SOUND ADVICE OF CHEN XIANG MEI

波蘭非共政府成立的偉大歷史意義

THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NON - COMMUNIST GOVERNMENT IN POLAND

欣見團結祥和氣氛發揚

WE ARE GLAD TO SEE THE PROMOTION OF A PEACEFUL ATMOSPHERE OF UNITY

不屑一駁的動議

A MOTION NOT WORTHY OF AN ARGUMENT

東德難民潮說明什麼？

WHAT DOES THE WAVE OF EAST GERMAN REFU-GEES INDICATE?

祝賀方勵之獲人權獎

CONGRATULATIONS ON FANG LIZHI'S HUMANITY PRIZE

論處理餐館衛生問題

CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND THE HEALTH ISSUES

國際外交戰略醞釀轉變

THE UNDERCURRENT OF CHANGE IN INTERNA-TIONAL DIPLOMATIC STRATEGIES

對太平洋地區經濟組織第一次會議的慶賀與批評

THE FIRST ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE

應理智對待費茲傑羅的抨擊

DR. FITZGERALD' S ATTACK MUST BE DEALT  WITH RATIONALLY

中西醫結合創新發展

COMBINING CHINESE AND WESTERN MEDICINE  AN INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT

滿懷希望跨入九十年代

A NEW YEAR ADDRESS

籲請華胞積極參加地震救災工作

AN APPEAL TO PEOPLE OF CHINESE ORIGIN TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN DISASTER RELIEF FOLLOWING THE EARTHQUAKES

紐省女狀元——對我們的啟示

DUX OF N.S.W. WHAT IT MEANS TO US

關於立法管制中藥及針炙問題

ON THE REGULATION OF HERBAL MEDICINE AND ACUPUNCTURE

積極參與大選活動

PARTICIPATING ENTHUSIASTICALLY IN ELECTION ACTIVITIES

尊重當地風俗習慣

RESPECT LOCAL CUSTOMS AND HABITS

請勿開空頭支票

DO NOT WRITE A DUD CHEQUE

認真投下神聖一票

YOUR VOTE IS SACRED CONSIDER CAREFULLY WHEN YOU CAST IT

對工黨政府的期勉

EXPECTATIONS OF AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE LABOR GOVERNMENT

政府應決心與罪案宣戰！

GOVERNMENT SHOULD DECLARE WAR ON CRIME

「六•四」週年紀念感言

THOUGHTS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF JUNE 4th

發自參議院的正義之聲

A RIGHTEOUS VOICE FROM THE SENATE

強迫遣返違反人道

FORCEFUL REPATRIATION IS UNHUMANITARIAN

侵略者應立即撤軍

THE INVADER SHOULD WITHDRAW IMMEDIATELY

澳中關係恢復正常的關鍵

ON THE NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND CHINA

堅決擁護政府派軍艦赴中東

FIRMLY SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT'S SENDING OF WARSHIPS TO THE MIDDLE EAST

一國兩慶話統一

FROM THE TWO NATIONAL DAY TO CHNA'S UNIFICATION

應重新檢討澳台關係

AUSTRALIA-TAIWAN RELATIONS SHOULD BE RE-ASSESSED

澳洲與母國發生矛盾怎麼辦？

IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND OUR MOTHER COUNTRY

戈氏獲和平獎的歷史意義

GORBACHEV'S NOBEL PEACE PRIZE A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

給侵略者再一次當頭棒喝！

A BLOW TO THE INVADER

由二屆全澳華人大會圓滿結束談起

ON THE SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION OF THE SECOND ALL - AUSTRALIA CHINESE CONFERENCE

「歐洲社會主義明燈」黯然失色

THE BRIGHT LIGHT OF EUROPE SOCIALISM DIMMED

應堅決支持抗伊聯軍的正義之戰

WE SHOULD FIRMLY SUPPORT THE ALLIED FORCES IN THEIR HONOURABLE WAR AGAINST IRAQ

由卡市牌樓風波說起

ON THE CABRAMATTA PAILOU GATE STRUCTURE CONTROVERSY

積極參加「澳洲清潔日活動」

ACTIVELY SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE IN CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY ACTIVITIES

波斯灣停火後的和平問題

PEACE FOLLOWING THE PERSIAN GULF CEASE-FIRE

評紐省「環保警察」之設

THE N. S. W. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION POLICE

制定「多元文化法案」時機成熟

TIME IS RIPE FOR FORMULATING THE MULTICULTURAL LEGISLATION

對華政策要堅持兩項原則

OUR POLICY TOWARDS CHINA MUST INSIST ON TWO IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES

中國對人權問題的突破值得歡迎

WELCOME THE BREAKTHROUGH ON HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN CHINA

欣聞——「按揭保險」計劃宣佈

WELCOME THE LOAN SURE SCHEME ANNOUNCEMENT

化戾氣為祥和的重要一步

AN IMPORTANT STEP IN TURNING HOSTILITY TO PEACE

不可忽視的社會病態

A SOCIAL DISEASE THAT MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED

趕快救助——中國大陸災民

EXPEDITE THE ASSISTANCE TO FLOOD - VICTIMS IN CHINA

人類又向和平與民主邁進一大步

ANOTHER GREAT STEP TOWARDS PEACE AND DEMOCRACY

早就該這麼做了！評省長特別會議

SHOULD HAVE DONE SO LONG AGO - ON THE  SPECIAL PREMIERS' CONFERENCE

欣見華人參政熱情提高

GLAD TO SEE AN INCREASE IN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION BY CHINESE AUSTRALIANS

蘇聯政變說明什麼？

WHAT DOES THE SOVIET UNION'S COUP DEMONSTRATE?

為蘇聯人民的勝利而歡呼！

HOORAY TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SOVIET UNION ON THEIR VICTORY

看蘇聯想中國

WATCH THE SOVIET UNION AND THINK OF CHINA

「多元文化」會造成各自為政嗎？與斷山企業主席柏寶爵士商榷

WILL MULTICULTURALISM LEAD TO EACH DOING HIS OWN THING? - TAKING ISSUE WITH BHP CHAIRMAN SIR ARVI PARBO

與何華德的兩點商榷

TO DISCUSS WITH JOHN HOWARD ON TWO ISSUES

令人耽憂的臺獨運動

THE TAIWAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT - A CAUSE OF CONCERN

努力促使柬國實現和平民主

STRIVE TO HELP CAMBODIA ACHIEVE PEACE & DEMOCRACY

亞太經合會議與兩岸和平共處

ASIAN PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION CONFERENGE AND PEACEFUL CO–EXISTENCE BETWEEN BOTH SIDES OF THE STRAIT

值得重視的美國對亞洲新政策

AMERICA'S NEW ASIA POLICY DEERVES ATTENTION

如何看待蘇聯的分與合

HOW TO REGARD THE SOVIET UNION'S DISUNITY AND UNITY

是「世紀偉人」還是「悲劇英雄」

A GREAT MAN OF THE CENTURY? OR HERO OF A TRAGEDY?

論後冷戰時期的國際關係

THE POST-COLD WAR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

營造祥和氣氛促進兩岸和解

FOSTER AN ATMOSPHERE OF AMITY; PROMOTE PEACE BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES OF THE STRAIT

認真督導子女學好母國語文

EARNESTLY SUPERVISE THE CHILDREN TO LEARN THE MOTHER LANGUAGE

評「中華經濟圈」的倡議

PROPOSAL FOR A GREATER CHINESE ECONOMIC BLOCK

由陳之彬任自由黨參議員候選人說起

TSEBIN TCHEN AS A PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE FOR THE LIBERAL PARTY

消除種族歧視 保持團結和睦

ELIMINATE RACIAL DISCRIMINATION; PRESERVE UNITY AND HARMONY

要近鄰，也要遠親！

WE NEED CLOSE NEIGHBOURS, WE ALSO NEED DISTANT RELATIVES!

歐洲的社會主義明燈和平地熄滅了

THE BRIGHT LAMP OF SOCIALISM IN EUROPE HAS EXTINGUISHED PEACEFULLY

達賴喇嘛訪澳面面觀

ISSUES SURROUNDING THE DALAI LAMA'S VISIT

關注中國改革拓展對華貿易

BE CONCERNED ABOUT REFORM IN CHINA; DEVELOP TRADE WITH CHINA

由劉丹案件談中醫藥的發展

FROM LIU DAN'S COURT CASE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE MEDICINE IN AUSTRALIA

本世紀人類實踐的一項重要經驗

AN IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE REALIZED BY MANKIND IN THIS CENTURY

華胞應為澳亞關係發展作出貢獻

CHINESE AUSTRALIANS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIA-ASIA RELATIONS

支持發展旅遊業

SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURIST INDUSTRY

一種要不得的解決問題方式

AN UNDESIRABLE WAY OF RESOLVING PROBLEMS

採取措施洗刷國恥

TAKE MEASURES TO CLEANSE A NATIONAL SHAME

支持中小學-加強亞洲語言教學的良策

IN SUPPORT OF THE GOOD POLICY OF STRENGTHENING ASIAN LANGUAGES IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

取締毒品的兩大步驟

TWO GREAT STEPS IN POLICING DRUGS

評加強與亞洲文化交流

ON INCREASING CULTURAL EXCHANG WITH ASIA

認同國家求取進展─「澳洲日」感言

RECOGNIZE YOUR COUNTRY AND SEARCH FOR PROGRESS - THOUGHTS ON AUSTRALIA DAY

別把中文簡體字當為洪水猛獸！

DO NOT REGARD THE ABBREVIATED CHINESE CHARACTERS AS A WILD MONSTER

布蘭尼教授的批評不當

PROFESSOR BLAINEY'S CRITICISMS WERE IMPROPER

中國釋放民運人士值得歡迎！

CHINA'S RELEASE OF MEMBERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT SHOULD BE WELCOMED

遏止赤柬暴行確保選舉如期舉行

CURB THE ATROCITIES OF THE KHMER ROUGE; ENSURE ELECTION TO BE HELD AS SCHEDULED

繼續支持民主力量，實現柬國和平！

CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE FORCE OF THE DEMOCRACY; REALIZE PEACE IN CAMBODIA

願海外印支華人精神發揚遠播

MAY THE SPIRIT OF OVERSEAS INDOCHINA CHINESE PEOPLE PROPAGATE FAR AND WIDE

正確人權觀更深入民心

A CORRECT VIEW ON HUMAN RIGHTS WILL BE EVEN MORE DEEPLY ENGRAVED INTO THE HEART OF THE PEOPLE

中國留學生居留問題面面觀！

A LOOK AT THE RESIDECY ISSUE OF CHINESE STUDENTS

中國不應該孤立

CHINA SHOULD NOT ISOLATE ITSELF

東協外長會議促進了澳亞關係發展

ASEAN FOREIGN MINISTERS'CONFERENCE FACILITATED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTHALIA-ASIA RELATIONS

澳洲華胞支持雪梨爭辦奧運義不容辭！

CHINESE AUSTRALIANS SHOULD NOT HESITATE TO TAKE A MORAL STAND TO SUPPORT THE STAGING OF OLYMPICS 2000 IN SYDNEY

尋求解決「馬寶」問題的最佳途徑

LOOKING FOR THE BEST WAY

難道多元文化主義容許違反澳洲利益？

WOULD MULTICULTURALISM PERMIT OPPOSITION TO AUSTRALIA’S INTEREST?

支持沈慧霞爭取競選連任上議員

SUPPORT HELEN SHAM - HO TO SEEK RE-ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

為以、巴和解而歡呼！

HOORAY TO THF PEACE SETTLEMENT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND PALESTINIANS

對待孔子思想學說的應有態度

THE PROPER ATTITUDE TO THE THOUGHTS AND TEACHINGS OF CONFUCIUS

外國資歷承認問題亟須改善

THE SITUATION CONCERNING THE RECOGNITION OF OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD BE IMPROVED

現行的國民醫療保健制度不可放棄

THE PRESENT MEDICARE SYSTEM MUST NOT BE ABANDONED

對華的人權外交要注意策略

THE IMPORTANT DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY ON CHINA’S HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION

聯邦政府的一項明智決定

A WISE DECISION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

祝賀楊小凱當選澳洲社科院院士

CONGRATULATIONS TO PROFESSOR XIAO KAI YANG FOR BEING ELECTED FELLOW OF SOCIAL SCIENCE INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA

勿為卑劣的威脅騷擾而退縮！

DO NOT COWER IN THE FACE OF DESPICABLE THREATS AND DISTURBANCES

體現時代精神的入籍誓詞

THE NATURALISATION OATH OF ALLEGIANCE THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE MODERN SPIRIT

千秋功罪如何評說！—談評論毛澤東種種

WHAT ARE HISTORY’S JUDGEMENTS? – ABOUT MAO ZE-DONG

卡斯特羅女兒變節的啟示

REVELATION FROM THE DEFECTION OF CASTRO’S DAUGHTER

積極響應「我是澳洲人」運動

ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE I AM AN AUSTRALIAN CAMPAIGN

願慶祝春節活動為多元文化增添光彩

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES ADD GLAMOUR TO MULTICULTURALISM

《張任謙心臟研究院》開幕感言！

A WORD ON THE OPENING OFVICTOR CHANG CARDIAC RESEARCH INSTITUTE

澳洲國家廣播電台專訪黃惠元縱談時局

Chinese Herald - 8th November 1991

附錄：精誠之聲 正義之鳴

言論自由與政治壓力

在澳洲這樣自由民主的國家，言論自由是國民神聖不可侵犯的權利之一。假如政府官員——那怕是位高權重的也好——敢於侵犯國民的這一權利，將會被視為非常嚴重的違法事件，這已是盡人皆知，無須多贅的事。所以新聞界被視為獨立王國，新聞記者「有無冕皇帝」的雅號。至於記者逢官高三級的說法，雖有形容過份之嫌，但也說明其職責的重要。在這制度下，作為民眾喉舌的新聞報紙，對政府當局的種種行政措施，有批評的自由，如認為政府對某事處理不對，可嚴加指責抨擊，對任何高官巨爵，如發現他們行為差錯，可以無情揭發，事態嚴重的，還可以指著他的鼻子斥責，這事在我們澳洲，真是太多太多，例子不勝枚舉，因而也被認為是正常的。當然，澳洲又是法治的國家，假如報紙對任何官員有造謠殺謗，人身攻擊，那麼受害者也可訴諸於法。就是說，不管在任何情況下，政府當局或任何官員，絕不可利用政治權力壓制輿論或非法報復打擊。

也許是這些觀念深入民心吧！我們對澳洲國內外報紙批評政治，針砭時弊、貶斥官員視為常事。也就是說，外國報紙抨擊澳洲政治人物或澳洲報紙抨擊外國政治人物，我們均認為平常，因為他們有言論自由。舉個例子。去年霍克總理因他女兒的事，新聞記者問及，他傷心落淚，輿論界見仁見智，議論紛紛，有的同情，有的抨擊。我們認為對於一個政治家，國事傷神；家事傷心，所謂「可憐天下父母心」，霍克總理當時的流淚，正是人類真摯情感的流露。但是外國有些報紙的看法不同，他們為這事對霍克總理譏笑，嘲諷，挖苦，非議——不一而足，然而，從來也没有聽說霍克總理因此而動怒，也從來未聽說澳洲政府以那些報章侮辱澳洲政府首長為由，對那些國家採取外交報復行動，這一方面固然是霍克總理豁達大度和澳洲政府作風文明，同時也說明言論自由這一原則，為我國朝野所尊重。對國內外報紙一視同仁。

澳洲各類報紙數以百計，每天都在報導他們認為需要報導的事和發表他們所要說的話，由於立場，觀點各異；對政局和人物的看法和評價當然也就不同，有時對外國政界人物有所抨擊，在所難免，但應鄭重指出：這些個別報紙的言論，絕不是代表澳洲政府的立場，不是代表全體公民的立場，不是代表全澳報紙的立場，假如有關國家對澳洲某一個別報刊的報導和言論不滿，而對澳洲採取外交上的突然報復行動，使事體擴大，禍及無辜，那是很不明智的。錯誤不在澳洲這邊，也很明顯。

感謝上帝，有些我們意想不到的，然而確實發生過的事，似乎已過去了。但是澳洲各類報紙仍然存在，他們仍然在報導和評論他們所要報導所評論的事，没有任何人能夠保證今後不會發生同樣的事，我們所殷切期望的是外國友邦人士能深切了解我國言論自由這實際情況，採取明智態度，避免發生不愉快的事，那就萬幸了。

（23-5-86）

ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND POLITICAL PRESSURE

Australians live in a democracy where freedom of speech is an unalienable right of every citizen. No government officials - however highly placed and powerful - would dare to interfere with this right. It is a commonly accepted view that any such attempt would be a serious offence against public interest.

Thus the Press may be regarded as an independent estate within the Australian society, and journalists its uncrowned royalty. While it may be an exaggeration to say that a journalist would always outrank an official, certainly the importance of his or her role should not be under-estimated.

So long as they are acting as the voice of people, Australian newspapers can comment on any government actions with impunity. Governments can be severely disabused if it fails to handle issues satisfactorily: mistakes can be ruthlessly exposed and blames attributed. Investigative reporting that severely embarrasses officialdom is nothing if uncommon in Australia, and we have come to regard it as the norm.

Of course, since Australia is a country ruled by laws, if any newspaper takes to rumor-mongering or personal slandering, the victim can always bring the matter to the court. But in any case, neither the government nor any official may respond to such criticism by the use of political pressure or any unlawful pay-back.

Perhaps because this idea of free speech is so deeply ingrained in Australians' mind, we tend to treat appearance of critical comments on politics and politicians in either Australian or overseas newspaper as nothing out of the ordinary. That is so whether a foreign paper chooses to criticize an Australian leader or an Australian newspaper chooses to criticize a foreign leader: in either case we assume that they should and do enjoy the same freedom of speech.

For example, last year Prime Minister Hawke was so upset by journalists questioning him about his daughter's personal affairs that he broke down and wept. Media commentators responses reflected their individual view points: some sympathetic, some critical. In the case of this newspaper, we are of the view that it is natural that a national leader should be concerned about his family's affairs as well as the nation's affairs. We Chinese have a saying pity the heart of all parents under the heaven. Prime Minister Hawke's tears were simply the showing of human feelings. But some foreign newspapers took a perversely different attitude: they chose to see it as a joke and made Prime Minister Hawke the butt of their hilarity.

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Hawke was not angered by the behavior of these foreign newspapers; if he did, he kept it to himself. Nor did