Social welfare sector rallies with unity in support of Legislative Council General Election (with photos/video)
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Officiated by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To; and the Chairperson of the Social Workers Registration Board, Mr Herman Hui, the mobilisation event was joined by representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating subsidised welfare services or other SWD subvented services, demonstrating the unity of the social welfare sector and its commitment to Hong Kong's future development. There were over 310 participants in the event.
Mr Sun said in his speech that the LegCo is one of the key pillars in the governance structure of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). After improving the electoral system of the HKSAR and the full implementation of the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle, the operation of the LegCo has been back on the right track. Over the past term of office, the LegCo interacted with the HKSAR Government with high efficiency in fulfilling their respective duties. Multiple important bills relating to welfare were scrutinised and passed, covering elderly care, poverty alleviation and support for the disadvantaged, etc. They have enabled the Government to take forward more effective policies and allowed vulnerable groups to be better protected. Mr Sun strongly called upon prospective candidates from the social welfare sector to stand for the election, bringing in their expertise and valuable experiences to the LegCo. He also urged all to cast their votes, joining the Government to build a better future for Hong Kong.
Ms Lau said the Government understood that some elderly persons may have difficulties in casting their votes due to impaired mobility and intensive care needs. The LWB and SWD will continue to urge NGOs to offer convenient arrangements this year for enabling elderly persons and their families to vote.
Speaking at the event, Mr To encouraged NGOs in the social welfare sector to proactively put in place assistance arrangements for their employees to fulfil their civic responsibility, casting votes for their desired candidates as a voice for the social welfare sector and Hong Kong.
Mr Hui remarked that the smooth and timely passage of the Social Workers Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 was attributed to the high efficiency of the legislative process. He called on all practitioners to participate in the LegCo General Election on December 7. He said he believes that the social welfare functional constituency will continue to be a key platform for reflecting the views of the sector and protecting the interests of vulnerable groups.
In responding to the call, participating chief executives and representatives of social welfare organisations all pledged to fully support the LegCo General Election. They also shared their assistance arrangements for their employees, such as flexible working hours and transport support, exchanging their experiences and insights on how to better encourage on-duty staff and service users to participate in the election.
The eighth-term LegCo General Election will be held on December 7. A total of 90 LegCo Members consisting of 30 from the functional constituencies will be elected, whereas the social welfare sector will hold one key place. Citizens may visit the election website (www.elections.gov.hk) to learn more about the LegCo General Election and vote for LegCo Members of the new term on the polling day.
Ends/Friday, October 31, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:23
Issued at HKT 14:23
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Mobilisation Event for Social Welfare Sector to Support 2025 Legislative Council General Election