【活動主題】 2025綠衣使節國際交流 (II) -維多利亞州議會參訪與駐外單位拜會

【活動日期】 2025年7月3日(四)下午2點至下午4點30分

【活動地點】澳洲墨爾本 維多利亞州議會與駐墨爾本台北經濟文化辦事處

【活動報導】

    七月三日下午，第十三屆綠衣使節團前往維多利亞州議會及駐墨爾本台北經濟文化辦事處參訪，藉此加深對澳洲民主制度運作與臺澳雙邊外交關係之理解與認識。

    維多利亞州議會位於墨爾本的最高處，內部設計保留英國議會的傳統風格。導覽行程的起點為維多利亞女王走廊，內部其中一面牆上掛著傑出女性的畫像與女性畫家的作品，為紀念澳洲開放女性擔任澳洲議員屆滿一百週年而特別設立，象徵著對於性別平權的重視。隨後，使節們在導覽員的帶領下前往參觀參議院與眾議院。導覽員簡介了議場座位的分配和制度，並針對室內的建築設計進行介紹——如參議院天花板上雕刻著的都鐸玫瑰為英國國花；而圍繞會廳的柱頂則雕有天使，其手中持有的各種物品，象徵議員應具備的道德素養。此外，議會內設有維多利亞州第二古老的圖書館，其擁有龐大藏書量供議員們進行資料收集。在導覽員熱情與細膩的解說下，使節們都對澳洲的民主制度有更深入的理解與體會。

   距離議會約步行十分鐘，使節們接著前往駐墨爾本台北經濟文化辦事處參訪。位於四十六樓的辦事處擁有大片玻璃窗，可自窗戶俯瞰，將墨爾本的市景盡收眼底。交流活動開始前，呂明澤處長特別準備珍珠奶茶款待使節團。於輕鬆且歡快的氣氛中，處長和我們分享許多對於外交工作的見解，也提到「外交不局限在政治、國家與外交人員之間的互動，只要是人與人的交流都可以是一種外交。」他也強調，許多外交成果背後，是無數默默付出的努力——即便不在鎂光燈下，仍應堅守崗位、認清角色，在自己的位置上持續發揮影響力。同時，處長也勉勵使節們要拋開「本位思考」的框架、多站在對方的角度設想，才能實踐真正意義上的「同理」，相信使節們也在此次與外交人員的對談中拓展對於此領域的認知與方向。

    本次國際交流的拜會行程至此圓滿結束，想必與會者皆在其中獲得了新的見解與體悟——透過參訪國會與議會，深化了對澳洲政體運作的理解；透過拜訪代表處與辦事處，學習透過更多元的角度看待「外交」一事。期望經過此次拜會交流，使節們皆對於此領域有了深刻的啟發、未來也能在各自熱愛的領域實踐屬於自己的「外交」。

【Topic】The 2025 Student Ambassador International Exchange Program -　The Visit to Parliament of Victoria and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Melbourne

【Date】 July 3rd, 2025 02:00 p.m. ~ 04:30 p.m.

【Location】Parliament of Victoria, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Melbourne

【News report】

The 13th student ambassadors paid a visit to the Parliament of Victoria and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Melbourne on the afternoon of July 3rd, hoping to deepen their understanding of Australia’s democratic processes and diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Australia.

The Parliament of Victoria is situated at the highest point of Melbourne, retaining an interior design similar to that of the British Parliament. The tour began at Queen’s Hall, where one wall displays portraits of outstanding women and artworks by female artists. The installation was specifically created to not only commemorate the 100th anniversary of women being eligible to serve as parliamentarians, but also symbolize the nation’s commitment to gender equality.

The group then visited the Senate and the House of Representatives. After briefly explaining the seating arrangement and parliamentary system, the guide introduced architectural features within the chamber, such as the Tudor rose carved into the Senate ceiling, representing the national flower of England, and the angelic figures atop the columns surrounding the hall, each holding different items that symbolize the moral virtues expected of parliamentarians. Moreover, the Parliament House contains Victoria’s second-oldest library, holding a vast collection of resources available to parliamentarians for research purposes. With the guide’s passionate and detailed explanations, the ambassadors gained a deeper insight into Australia’s democratic system.

Following a ten-minute walk from the Parliament, the student ambassadors proceeded to visit the TECO in Melbourne. Located on the 46th floor, the office boasts expansive glass windows that offer a panoramic view of Melbourne’s cityscape. Before the exchange session, Director Ming-Tse Lu warmly welcomed the ambassadors with bubble tea. In a lighthearted ambience, Director Lu shared valuable insights on diplomacy, emphasizing that diplomacy isn’t confined to politics, national affairs, or professional diplomats; any form of meaningful interaction between individuals can be considered an act of diplomacy.

He further noted that behind every diplomatic achievement lies dedication and effort, which are often carried out away from the spotlight. Regardless of visibility, individuals can still make impactful contributions through their respective roles. Meanwhile, Director Lu highlighted the importance of moving beyond self-centered thinking and embracing others’ perspectives to practice genuine empathy. The discussion provided the ambassadors with a broader understanding of the field of diplomacy.

The visit marked the conclusion of the student ambassadors’ international exchange events. Through their engagement—visiting the Parliament to better understand Australia’s political system and visiting the office to explore diplomacy from diverse perspectives —it is believed that the ambassadors gained valuable insights. May this journey inspire each ambassador to cultivate their understanding and practice of diplomacy.