Melbourne: Sydney is trying to promote its
state of New South Wales (NSW) as a safe study destination for
Indian students as Melbourne struggles to contain racial
violence on the community in Australia.
According a newspaper report, NSW Premier Kristina
Keneally said there was difference between the two cities and
announced a minister would be sent to India to tell education
representatives students would be helped into safe
accommodation in NSW.
"The difference between Sydney and Melbourne may be lost
in the overseas market. We want to send a message NSW is a
welcoming place for international students," Keneally said.
The new announcement has led to clash between Victorian
government with its NSW counterpart.
Victorian Premier John Brumby has hit out Keneally and
accused her of trying to drag down Victoria while her state
was much less safe than Victoria.
"We are the safest state in Australia, full stop," Brumby
said yesterday.
"All of the statistics on that are unambiguous,' he said
adding the crime rate against the person was 552 per 100,000
people in Victoria - half the 1100 per 100,000 in NSW.
Brumby said Victoria continued to attract visitors and
residents from around the world and interstate - "by the way,
including from NSW".
"When you are the best performer, as we've been in this
area, of course you get people trying to drag you down. But
the facts remain: we are seen as the most livable city
anywhere in Australia," Brumby said.
Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu last night called on the
Premier to release detailed crime statistics, including on
Indian students.
"Nothing will change unless John Brumby comes clean on
the data supporting his claims, tells the truth and takes
action to end these violent assaults," he said.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 12, 2010, 08:59