PA/06/09 28 May 09
Statement by Australian Foreign Minister regarding Indian students in Australia
The following is a statement issued by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon. Stephen Smith MP, on 28 May 2009:
“As Foreign Minister, I’m appalled by these attacks and I condemn them absolutely.
Australia takes very seriously its reputation as a safe destination for Indian students.
Indian students have faced problems in one particular location in Melbourne.
Action is being taken. The police are giving particular focus to this issue. They have launched a police operation specifically to investigate allegations of attacks on students.
And a hotline, staffed by volunteers who are fluent in English and Hindi, has been established to provide support, information and advice to Indian students.”
For further details, contact Shekhar Nambiar, Senior Public Affairs Adviser on 9810154167/ 011-41494351