La première réunion plénière consacrée à la mission de reconstruction de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et de refondation de ses modèles économique et social s’est tenue mardi 14 octobre au haut-commissariat. Elle a notamment permis de valider la méthode de mise en place et le pilotage de cette mission, mais aussi de fixer les chantiers prioritaires à court, moyen et long termes.
Une méthode validée
Après une série de réunions avec les acteurs et institutions concernés, cette réunion plénière de lancement a permis à l’ensemble des parties de valider la méthode de pilotage et de mise en place de la mission de reconstruction de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et de refondation de ses modèles économique et social, menée par Claire Durrieu.
Cette mission se fonde sur des objectifs majeurs :
la mise en place un pacte de refondation économique et financière avec des ambitions partagées, permettant le rétablissement durable des équilibres et de l’attractivité du territoire ;
la refonte structurelle des politiques publiques prioritaires.
Les modalités de pilotage ont été choisies afin de travailler dans la concertation, en impliquant l’ensemble des acteurs concernés. Le pilotage s’articule autour :
d’une commission plénière (trimestrielle) réunissant les institutions, le Cese, le Sénat coutumier, les syndicats, les organisations patronales et les chambres consulaires, dont le rôle est de définir les grandes orientations et les axes de travail et suivre l’avancement des travaux ;
d’un comité de pilotage institutionnel (mensuel) composé du gouvernement, de l’État, du Congrès, des provinces et des représentants des maires, qui joue le rôle d’instance décisionnelle ;
des groupes de travail opérationnels qui auront pour mission de faire des propositions détaillées et chiffrées. Ils seront organisés autour des thématiques suivantes :
Finances publiques
Investissements, attractivité et diversification de l’économie
Stratégie nickel et énergie
Vie quotidienne et projet de société
Développement des terres coutumières
« Aujourd’hui, tout le monde est au chevet de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Tous les acteurs impliqués doivent travailler dans le même sens et j’ose espérer que la méthodologie proposée pour lancer ce pacte de refondation sera suivie et qu’elle survivra au 18ème gouvernement et à ceux qui lui succéderont, a confié le président du gouvernement Alcide Ponga. Notre premier objectif est d’installer la méthode et que les mesures décidées perdurent ».
Des priorités à court, moyen et long termes
Les discussions lors de réunion plénière ont également permis d’identifier les sujets prioritaires, nécessitant des mesures concrètes et rapides. Cet arbitrage s’est basé sur les besoins exprimés par les participants à la plénière, qui sont pour la plupart des acteurs de proximité, au fait des réalités des Calédoniens.
Parmi les thématiques urgentes on retrouve :
les sujets de la vie quotidienne (santé, cohésion sociale, transport, logement, …) ;
l’état des lieux nécessaire des finances publiques pour l’année 2026 ;
la préparation d’un plan de relance, avec une identification des investissements à réaliser rapidement.
À moyen terme, la mission s’intéressera :
au retour à l’équilibre budgétaire de la Nouvelle-Calédonie ;
à la diversification économique ;
à la stratégie nickel et énergie.
Un travail sera également engagé sur des sujets liés à une vision au long terme pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie à savoir :
la mise en place de réformes structurelles pour un nouveau modèle de société ;
le développement économique des terres coutumières.
Une visioconférence avec la nouvelle ministre des Outre-mer
Au cours de cette plénière, les acteurs ont assisté à un discours en visioconférence depuis Paris, de la nouvelle ministre des Outre-mer Naïma Moutchou. Une première prise de parole durant laquelle la ministre a tenu a rappelé que la Nouvelle-Calédonie restait une priorité de l’action du gouvernement national.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Sunny Tan and a reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ19: Upgrading facilities at Kowloon Park Question:
There are views that as one of Hong Kong’s major urban parks, Kowloon Park is rich with historical heritage and well located. However, with the changes in time, some facilities in the park have become outdated and underutilised, and the overall development potential has yet to be fully realised. Regarding the upgrading of facilities at Kowloon Park, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the numbers of users and utilisation rates of various major facilities at Kowloon Park (such as the Swimming pool, Sports Centre, Children’s Playground, Discovery Playground) in each of the past three years, as well as the results of satisfaction surveys, with a breakdown by type of facility;
(2) as there are views pointing out that Victoria Park, which is a major urban recreational space like Kowloon Park, has become a popular destination for members of the public and visitors due to its frequent hosting of diversified large-scale events, of the comparison of the utilisation of similar facilities between these two parks (such as swimming pool, sports centre/sports venue, children’s playground) in the past three years; whether it has specifically analysed the main reasons for the differences in the utilisation rates of facilities at these two parks;
(3) of the regular mechanisms and specific measures put in place by the authorities to regularly inspect, maintain and revamp the facilities at Kowloon Park to ensure that such facilities meet the needs of the public and remain in good condition; whether it has formulated enhancement plans to raise Kowloon Park’s attractiveness to locals and visitors (such as improving spatial planning and design in the park, organising more diversified events), thereby increasing the utilisation rates of facilities in the park;
(4) whether the authorities will consider adopting a public-private partnership model for the renovation works of Kowloon Park, allowing the private sector to participate in the design, operation and maintenance of specific areas in the park, so as to alleviate the Government’s financial burden and accelerate the revamp of facilities; and
(5) given that the Government announced last year the conversion of Block 58 of the former Whitfield Barracks in Kowloon Park into a Chinese Culture Experience Centre, and the construction of an Annex Block at the nearby Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters, Tsim Sha Tsui to provide facilities including a Public Information and Education Concourse and an exhibition gallery, etc, how the Government integrates the above projects with the existing facilities and activities in Kowloon Park to create a unified space for recreational, cultural and tourism experience; whether it will establish an inter-departmental collaboration mechanism for the above projects and integration efforts to create synergy effects, thereby enhancing visitor flow and public participation in the area?
Reply:
President,
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is committed to offering diversified recreation, sports and leisure facilities in the parks under its management, with a view to meeting the public’s needs for leisure and recreation activities, advocating healthy lifestyle, and promoting sports to the community. The 13-hectare Kowloon Park is one of the LCSD’s major urban parks. It offers a full range of active and passive leisure facilities which are well received by members of the public.
My reply to the questions raised by the Hon Doreen Kong is as follows:
(1) Over the past three years, the usage rates or attendances of the major facilities in Kowloon Park are as follows:
Average usage rate
AttendanceThe LCSD does not keep relevant information on the attendances of the Children’s Playground and the Discovery Playground.
According to a questionnaire survey conducted from July to August 2025, the vast majority (85 per cent) of the respondents were generally “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with Kowloon Park.
(2) Victoria Park and Kowloon Park are popular major parks featuring active and passive facilities. Similar facilities in both parks include swimming pools and children’s playgrounds.
The LCSD does not keep information on the attendances of the children’s playgrounds concerned. As for the swimming pools, the attendances of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool and the Victoria Park Swimming Pool over the past three years are as follows:
AttendanceMembers of the public choose to go swimming in nearby swimming pools based on their place of residence, place of work and daily schedules etc.???As such, the attendance of a swimming pool is subject to a series of factors. Besides, some facilities of the Victoria Park and Kowloon Park are available for organisations to hire for staging events of various scales and types, offering diversified park experiences to visitors as well as providing various organisations with quality venues to hold events. Over the past three years, various organisations hired Kowloon Park for more than 110 times to host events such as carnivals, exhibitions, and competitions (e.g. the Hong Kong International Handball Championships, the Hong Kong Rowing Indoor Championships and Charity Rowathon, an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a Tai Chi day, and the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars phase four). Over the same period, Victoria Park was hired over 40 times for holding events, including multiple major events (e.g. Lunar New Year Fair, Hong Kong Flower Show, Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, and Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo).
(3) and (4) To continually enhance public service standards, the LCSD has all along been making plans for regular repair and large-scale improvement of various facilities of Kowloon Park taking into account the views of visitors and works departments with a view to enhancing the park visitors’ experience, ensuring that the facilities are safe and comfortable, and providing visitors with an even more attractive leisure space.
In the improvement plan for 2024-25, in addition to carrying out routine repair and maintenance works at Kowloon Park, the LCSD has completed the refurbishment works of Chinese Garden and Children’s Playground, as well as the enhancement works of fitness facilities and the Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars, bringing a better park experience for visitors. In addition, the LCSD installed specially designed and styled panda displays in the recently completed refurbishment project of the fountain at the Water Garden. Outdoor toilets were also enhanced with the introduction of Kung Fu design element for better visual appeal. As for the improvement plan for 2025-26, it will include projects on renovating toilets of the Discovery Playground as well as beautifying the Aviary and flower plots to further enhance the overall environment of the park, thereby providing visitors with more comfortable leisure space and richer natural landscape.
The LCSD will continue to review the usage of park facilities from time to time and, subject to the availability of resources and suitable venue conditions, formulate and carry out appropriate facility enhancement projects as necessary to continue adding unique features to Kowloon Park and enhancing its attractiveness.
In addition, regarding the public-private partnership, subject to its commercial viability and opportunities, the LCSD will keep an open mind, introduce innovative ideas and actively consider adopting public-private partnership proposals in order to enhance the service quality of facilities, thereby providing members of the public with leisure facilities of higher quality and richer visitor experience.
(5) The LCSD will convert Block 58 of the former Whitfield Barracks in Kowloon Park, with the construction of a new annex, into the Chinese Culture Experience Centre which is aiming at promoting Chinese culture. The Experience Centre will feature a versatile outdoor space harmonised with the natural environment of Kowloon Park, serving as a venue for hosting Chinese culture-related activities while offering citizens and tourists a space that combines cultural elements with natural scenery. The Experience Centre will make good use of technology to offer diversified interactive experiences and object-based learning activities to attract participation of both citizens and tourists. Issued at HKT 12:45
Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday began a visit to New York, in the US, by attending the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on United States-China Relations (NCUSCR) and met its Chair, the former US Trade Representative Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky.
In their meeting, the two exchanged views on current China-US economic and trade relations, as well as issues relating to trade, investment and financial markets between Hong Kong and the US. Mr Chan also briefed Miss Barshefsky on developments in Hong Kong.
Mr Chan highlighted the strong and close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and the US. He added that despite the global economy currently facing significant uncertainties, Hong Kong will, under the “one country, two systems” framework, maintain its status as a free port, uphold the common law system and rule of law, sustain a simple and low tax regime, and implement open, stable and predictable economic and trade policies.
He added that Hong Kong continues to welcome US businesses to invest and expand their presence in the city. Recognising the important and active role the NCUSCR has long played in promoting Hong Kong-US economic and trade relations, he expressed hope for continued close co-operation with the committee to create more opportunities for the business communities of both places.
The gala dinner is a major annual event organised by the NCUSCR. It brings together prominent political, business and academic leaders from both China and the US, with a view to facilitating exchange and co-operation between the two countries. This year’s event was attended by around 300 leaders and guests.
Today, Mr Chan will meet local political and business leaders and brief them on the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
The Taiwanese community in Sydney gathered on Double Tenth Day at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney to celebrate the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Director-General David Cheng -Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with all colleagues from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sydney, joined 500 guests for a night filled with pride, joy, and celebration of Taiwan’s birthday.
Michael Wu, Chairperson of the Double Tenth Celebration Committee, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated team for months of preparation and to the Taiwanese community for their strong support in making this grand celebration possible. He also announced a donation of AUD 10,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities, sharing the warmth and compassion of the Taiwanese diaspora with children and families in need in Sydney.
DG Wu thanked Chairperson Wu and the organizing team for their tireless efforts, noting that this year’s theme, “Reflections of Culture in an Age of Technology,” highlights Taiwan’s cultural soft power. He also highlighted President Lai’s National Day address, which emphasized “The Power to Move Forward: Six Key Strengths.” Taiwan’s economic growth ranks first among the Four Asian Tigers, and that its foreign exchange reserves have surpassed USD 600 billion for the first time in history—a remarkable milestone. Without Taiwan’s participation, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would be incomplete.
Distinguished guests, including Matt Cross, Shadow Assistant Minister for Education, and shadow assistant Minister for government accountability of New South Wales; Trenton Brown, Mayor of Ryde city; Angelo Rozos, Deputy Mayor of Willoughby city, Michelle Chuang, Councillor of Willoughby City; and Barbara Ward, Councillor of Ku-ring-gai City, also joined the celebration. In their speeches, they congratulated Taiwan on its National Day and praised Taiwan’s vibrant democracy as a model for the world.
This year’s celebration was the most spectacular and high-tech National Day banquet ever held by the Sydney Taiwanese community—a four-hour non-stop party of music, dance, and joy! Highlights included the first-ever AI host, Paiwan Indigenous music, a virtual performance of Teresa Teng’s classic “Sweet as Honey”, the Australian Girls Choir, a high-energy “Friday Night” dance, an erhu performance of “Faraway”, stand-up comedy by Peter Huang, and a stunning performance by the HOYI Dance Crew from Taiwan, who led the audience in the lively “Tai-Ke Dance” blending Taiwanese street dance with temple parade traditions, making the night reach a euphoric high. In addition to the amazing performances, the highlight of the event was the grand raffle prize — a China Airlines round-trip Premium Economy ticket between Taiwan and Australia. Everyone was eagerly hoping to be the lucky winner!
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu hosted a grand reception to celebrate the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) at the historic Fullerton Hotel.
In his remarks, DG Wu emphasized that:
✅ Amid today’s global geopolitical challenges and authoritarian expansion, no country can safeguard peace alone. Only through solidarity and democratic partnerships can the world maintain lasting peace and prosperity.
✅ According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, Taiwan produces 92% of the world’s most advanced logic chips, 70% of smartphone chips, and 35% of automotive microcontrollers. The IEP also predicts a major conflict in Taiwan could cost the global economy US$10 trillion—far exceeding the global economic impact of the war in Ukraine.
✅ Taiwan does not seek conflict, but rather strives to share prosperity through mutual benefit and cooperation. Our integrated diplomacy leverages Taiwan’s unique position in the democratic values chain, the non-red supply chain, and the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific. This Three-Chain Strategy and our commitment to peace through strength ensure stability in the region.
✅ Over the past year, Taiwan has experienced both highs and lows, including: two-time Olympic gold medalist Lee Yang, Taiwan’s first Minister of Sports. Our national baseball team won the global championship of WBSC Premier12 。The opening of the Taiwan Tourism Information Centre (TTIC) in Sydney.
✅Typhoon Ragasa devastated remote villages in Hualien of Eastern part of Taiwan last month. More than 100,000 volunteer “shovel heroes”. This extraordinary spirit of unity and compassion reflects the resilience of the Taiwanese people. It also silently reveals how Taiwan will defend its beloved homeland: with unshakable resolve and the strength of collective will. A force not to be underestimated.
✅Taiwan is not the problem, Taiwan is the world’s answer. Taiwan is not only a success story, but a living legend. And Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with Australia and other like-minded partners to build a world that is more secure, more stable, and more prosperous.
Several New South Wales Parliamentarians also delivered remarks, expressing their respect for Taiwan’s courage in upholding shared values. They commended Taiwan’s leading role in democracy, innovation, and economic development, and praised the nation for standing firm and never backing down in the face of pressure from China. They emphasized that Taiwan’s steadfastness carries great significance for maintaining democracy, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
They further described the precious friendship between Taiwan and Australia as that of “winter friends” — companions who support each other through difficult times. Australia, they said, will continue to work with Taiwan to uphold shared values, ensure that Taiwan’s voice is heard on the regional and global stage, and contribute together to the progress and prosperity of the world.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Following is a question by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Question:
As announced by the Government, with effective from February 26 this year, a new application fee of $600 has been introduced for various admission schemes for talents and capital investors (specified admission schemes), and the visa/entry permit issuance fees have been raised to $600 (with a limit of stay of 180 days or below) and $1,300 (with a limit of stay of 181 days or more) respectively. There are views relaying that the aforesaid visa fees have put heavy financial pressure on performing groups coming from other places to Hong Kong and relying on donations to maintain their operation (e.g. Shengong opera troupes performing at the Yu Lan Festival), thus affecting the transmission and exchange of traditional cultures. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of Chinese Mainland traditional folklore performing groups (including Shengong opera troupes) admitted to Hong Kong under the specified admission schemes in each of the past three years, as well as their members involved (set out in a table);
(2) as it is learnt that quite a number of district organisations will invite Chinese Mainland performing groups to perform in Hong Kong during celebration events to promote cultural exchanges, whether the Government will consider waiving visa application and issuance fees or introducing a tiered fee system for members of those performing groups which do not charge the public for their performances, so as to encourage cultural exchanges in the community and promote the transmission of cultural heritage;
(3) of the number of Chinese Mainland performing groups permitted under the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (the STV Scheme) to participate in specified short-term activities in the arts and cultural sector during their stay as visitors since the regularisation of the scheme in 2024; and
(4) as there are views pointing out that although there is strong demand from district organisations for performances by traditional folklore performing groups, the visits of performing groups to Hong Kong via the STV Scheme are subject to the endorsement of the authorised host organisations (e.g. the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau) by way of invitation letters, which involves some difficulties in the process, whether the Government will consider further streamlining the relevant application procedures to enable more performing groups to come to Hong Kong for exchanges without having to apply for employment visas?
Reply:
President,
In consultation with the Security Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan is as follows:
(1) Eligible Mainland residents who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong may apply to come to work in Hong Kong under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) (the “specified admission scheme” as referred to in the question), including short-term or one-off project-based employment, if the conditions are met. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the numbers of approved applications under the ASMTP related to the Mainland talents of the arts/culture sector were 285, 2 496 and 4 618 respectively. The ImmD does not maintain a breakdown of the statistics on applications involving traditional folk performing groups from the Mainland (including Shengong opera troupes).
(2) to (4) In devising the fee levels for the ASMTP, the Government has balanced various considerations. Among others, noting that some applications relate to short-term/one-off project-based employment, the Government has introduced two tiers of visa/entry permit issuance fee: $600 for visa/entry permit granted with a limit of stay of not more than 180 days, and $1,300 for those with a limit of stay of 181 days or more. The fee levels are modest and affordable. The Government will closely monitor the relevant situation and review the fee structure as appropriate in accordance with the established mechanism.
Besides, to encourage more talents to come to Hong Kong for exchanges, the Government launched a two-year Pilot Scheme on Immigration Facilitation for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (Pilot Scheme) in June 2022, which was regularised as the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme) in June 2024. Under the STV Scheme, organisations authorised by the relevant government bureaux/departments (B/Ds) can issue invitation letters to relevant non-local talents in their sectors. Invited persons may come to Hong Kong to participate in specified short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas/entry permits from the ImmD. They may participate in specified short-term activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days during each trip to Hong Kong, and receive remuneration for the specified activities concerned.
As of end-June 2025, the Pilot Scheme and the STV Scheme have approved for a total of more than 36 950 non-local talents to enter Hong Kong as visitors to participate in a total of over 6 200 short-term activities and major events. Among others, since the regularisation of the scheme in June 2024, a total of more than 1 520 non-local talents have been approved to participate in the specified short-term activities under the “Arts and Cultural” sector. The ImmD does not maintain statistics of Mainland performing groups entering Hong Kong under the STV Scheme as mentioned in the question.
To ensure that the STV Scheme keeps pace with the times, the Government reviews its coverage and operation mechanism from time to time, with a view to ensuring that it can continue to effectively promote the development of relevant sectors and raise Hong Kong’s international profile while ensuring that the risks are manageable. Since the launch of the Pilot Scheme, the Government has expanded the scheme in February 2023 and June 2024, by adding two sectors, namely “Finance” and “Development and Construction”, to the original 10 designated sectors. The number of authorised organisations has also increased by 18 per cent from around 350 when the scheme was first launched, to more than 400 at present. These authorised organisations include government B/Ds, public/statutory organisations, professional bodies and industry associations. Through an established mechanism, all participating B/Ds are required to assist in ensuring that the implementation of the scheme consistently meets policy objectives. Relevant information of the STV Scheme, including the authorised organisations and specified short-term activities that are currently covered by the scheme, is available on the ImmD’s website: www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/stv.html.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the STV Scheme as well as the views of the relevant departments and the sectors concerned, and timely review the scheme’s coverage to strike an appropriate balance between immigration control and facilitation. In considering whether to further relax the STV Scheme, the Government shall take into account two major principles, i.e. eligible individuals visiting Hong Kong for specified short-term activities under the scheme will not displace the local workforce, and there will not be a risk of abuse (including illegal employment).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Question:
Regarding the 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE), will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the preparations for the 2025 LCGE, including the key stages of work, current progress and subsequent material junctures;
(2) of the specific new measures the Government has put in place to promote the 2025 LCGE, and of the progress of preparation and expected outcomes of the relevant publicity work;
(3) of the measures the Government has put in place to provide further convenience to electors, so as to enhance their voting desire and improve their voting experience;
(4) in respect of the application of technologies, whether the Government has plans to introduce more technology initiatives in public elections to further improve electoral processes and efficiency; if so, of the current progress of the study on this front; and
(5) given that during the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, the Government had encouraged civil servants to duly fulfil their civic responsibilities and vote on polling day through various activities, how the Government will further encourage civil servants to actively participate in voting during the 2025 LCGE so as to set a good example in society?
Reply:
President,
The 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) will be held on December 7 to return 90 members of the eighth term Legislative Council (LegCo). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to the LegCo election as it is directly related to the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems” and to the good governance and long-term stability of the HKSAR.
Having consulted the Civil Service Bureau, a consolidated reply in response to the various questions raised by the Hon Chan Yung is as follows:
The preparations for the LCGE are currently in full swing. The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) is actively undertaking a wide range of tasks, including the deployment of electoral staff, provision of training and drills for electoral staff, conduct of multiple rounds of testing for election information technology systems, set up polling stations, formulation of security and contingency plans, to ensure that the election will be smoothly conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly, efficient and user-friendly manner.
The nomination period will run from October 24 to November 6. The REO had made appropriate arrangements and is ready to receive and process nomination forms. Upon the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee’s confirmation of the eligibility of candidates, the REO will hold a briefing session for candidates to explain the polling and counting arrangements. The REO will send poll cards, Introduction to Candidates and related materials to electors and authorised representatives before the end of November, with a view to notifying them of their assigned polling station for casting their votes and enabling electors to gain a better understanding of the candidates concerned.
To facilitate electors in casting their votes and enhance their voting experience, the REO will continue adopting the combined voting arrangement to allow electors to cast all their votes at the same polling station. In general, the REO will assign electors to vote at the polling station within their constituency and close to their registered residential address. Other facilitation measures for voting include:
(i) the REO will set up Near Boundary Polling Stations to facilitate electors who need to travel to and from the Mainland on the polling day. Prior registration will be made for electors who choose to vote at these polling stations;
(ii) besides the poll card, electors may access the Online Voter Information Enquiry System (OVIES) to view their registration details, assigned polling station and location map, and Introduction to Candidates, etc.; The HKSAR Government has been striving to enhance the various electoral procedures and arrangements. We will, in light of the actual circumstances and needs, take holistic consideration of such factors as the application of technology, enhancement of efficiency, safety and security, privacy protection and public perception, etc, in introducing the wider use of information and smart technologies. The REO will: The Government is promoting the election through diverse activities and channels to enhance the public’s understanding of the election and encourage them to vote actively. Specific promotional activities include organising community interactive activities (such as roving exhibitions and game booths, etc), placing outdoor and transport advertisements (such as large outdoor advertisements on external walls of buildings and streets, as well as MTR and bus lightbox advertising, etc), launching promotion through traditional and social media platforms (such as radio, television, Facebook and Instagram, etc), and conducting other large-scale events such as a seminar and variety show, etc. In addition, the Government is reaching out to the community with a novel and down-to-earth approach. For example, the installation of the election mascots Ballot Box Family at various locations across the territory is combined with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to invite the public to interact, take photos and upload them to the social media. At the same time, the Government will co-ordinate the promotional efforts for the election and the National Games to create synergetic publicity effect.
As a key component of the HKSAR Government’s governance system, civil servants shoulder the responsibility of fully implementing “one country, two systems” and supporting the governance of the HKSAR Government. Civil servants should take the lead in society and set an example by fulfilling their civic responsibility to vote. A large number of civil servants have been engaged in election-related work, from preparation, polling to counting, who have made concerted efforts to ensure the smooth completion of every task. During the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election, the HKSAR Government appealed to all civil servants as well as electors in Hong Kong to actively cast their votes through various publicity channels, such as writing to civil servants, distributing promotional leaflets to departmental offices, publishing posts/videos on social media platforms, holding events to reach out to the community, etc. The related arrangements were very successful and received overwhelming response from civil servants and the public. For the upcoming LCGE, the HKSAR Government will continue to employ diverse and comprehensive means to proactively optimise various publicity and promotional initiatives, with a view to encouraging civil servants to participate in the election. As for staff who are required to work on the polling day, departmental managers must release those who need to vote to cast their votes at their designated polling stations. Timetables should be prepared accordingly to facilitate staff to leave the office for voting in an orderly manner. Also, such timetables must be submitted to the Heads of Departments concerned. Colleagues may apply for reimbursement of transport (including taxi) fares for travelling between their offices and designated polling stations.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Judy Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 15):
Question: (1) The number of persons convicted of an offence under section 27 of the Offences against the Person Ordinance (Cap. 212), i.e. ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of child or young person, from 2020 to the first half of 2025 is set out in the Annex. The Government does not compile statistics on the number of these cases involving leaving children unattended at home.