"The City of Perth has had contact on multiple occasions from the Chinese Consulate Perth about the Falun Gong representatives within the City and has noted the Consulate’s concerns," she said. "To date, Falun Gong representatives have complied with all requirements of the City." President of WA's Falun Gong Association Albert Lin said he was not surprised to learn the Chinese government had been attempting to shut down their protests. "With the City of Perth, it's a bit tricky, because I suspect they do have pressure from the Chinese consulate," he said. "At the same time, I feel they do the right thing because we seem to always be able to get permits because it would create an outcry if we can't get one."

Mr Lin said Falun Gong was a "peaceful, spiritual meditation practice". "The reason for the persecution is because about 20 years ago, the Chinese government found out there were almost 100 million Chinese people practising Falun Gong, which was more than the Communist Party had members," he said. A protest in the City of Perth aimed at raising awareness of the Chinese government's treatment of Falun Gong protesters. "We are not opposed to the Chinese government, we have been forced to come out and expose what's going on there. "Sometimes people say we are a political group, but I often tell them that if China did not persecute Falun Gong, you would only see Falun Gong practitioners in parks and community centres."

Mr Lin said Falun Gong protesters in the City were often harassed and intimidated. "With the protests in the City there have been people who were very suspicious come and cause problems," he said. "The typical thing about these people is that they would often abuse you and you cannot reason with them, but at the same time you can tell that they did it with an intention. Then they try to create a scene." Ms Banks-McAllister said representatives from other foreign governments had also contacted the City to inquire on the conditions for permitted activity. She said protesters were required to apply for an activity permit or a road and footpath obstruction permit.

"Every application for a permit is assessed on its merits and, if needed, in consultation with key stakeholders including WA Police," she said. Loading "City of Perth rangers will assess and if required monitor the activity in the city to ensure compliance. "Falun Gong has successfully applied and [been] granted a permit based on conditions set by the City of Perth. To date, Falun Gong representatives have always complied with the City of Perth requirements and permit conditions." Falun Gong protesters are a regular fixture on the corner of William and Monger streets in Northbridge, which is in the City of Vincent.