New Delhi: Australia today admitted that its
image had been affected by a spate of attacks on Indians, some
of which "had racial overtones" and promised to take effective
corrective steps, including increase in jail term for racial
crime.
John Brumby, Premier of Australia`s Victoria province
where most of the attacks have been taking place, met Union
HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister
Vayalar Ravi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, assuring
them that his Government was "doing everything" possible to
ensure total safety of Indians living there.
During the meetings, Brumby was conveyed about India`s
concerns over recurring attacks and was asked to take all
necessary steps to improve safety and security of Indians.
"Our image has really been affected by incidents of
attacks on international students. But I would like to make it
abundantly clear that we are doing all our best to protect our
international students," Brumby told reporters.
Admitting that "a small number of cases had racial
overtones", he said the Government has decided to increase
the jail term of those found to be involved in racial attacks.
In his meeting with Brumby, Ravi requested the premier to
provide India a summary of incidents against Indians that had
taken place in Melbourne and the follow up actions by the
Australian authorities. Brumby readily agreed to Ravi`s
request.
The premier also announced scholarships of 10,000 dollars
(Australian) for Indian students under his Government`s
ambitious `Thinking Global` initiative.
During the meeting with Ravi, both sides also discussed
the possibility of having group housing and separate
transportation facilities for international students.
Seeking greater cooperation between India and Australia
in the field of IT, bio-technology and medicine, the premier
said both the countries could immensely benefit from such
collaborations.
"It is crucial that both Victoria and India invest in our
next generation of innovators and thinkers as we forge
stronger bonds and new solutions to secure the future," he
said unveiling the AUD 1.2 million `Thinking Global`
programme.
Brumby said `Thinking Global` is a USD 14 million
initiative to support and grow improve Victoria`s
international education sector and improve the experience,
safety and well-being of overseas students in the province.
As part of the initiative, new students will be given
opportunity to team up with local students and community
organisations to help find their way around their new life in
Melbourne.
Bureau Report
