PA/07/09 28/05/09
Statement by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education regarding Indian students in Australia
The Australian Minister for Education, and Deputy Prime Minister The Hon. Julia Gillard MP has made the following statement in Australian Parliament:
“In this Parliament today, I want to send a message loud and clear that international students are very welcome in this nation and Australia will not tolerate discrimination against or victimisation of any of our international students.”
The Deputy Prime Minister announced a new initiative: A roundtable of international student representatives to discuss with Government issues affecting their study experience.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: “the Government will invite international student representatives to participate in a round table to discuss issues affecting their study experience such as accommodation, welfare and safety. She said that “with over 430 000 international students visiting Australia annually, it is important to me that their views and concerns are heard and addressed by government.”
The Australian Government led the world with the Education Services for Overseas Students Act in 2000. The Act defines the standards expected for all education providers engaging in international education and establishes best practices for the management of international students. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the act would be further reviewed to “make sure the framework for regulation of overseas education meets world’s best standards.”
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the contribution of international students to Australia’s multicultural society. “International students enrich our society” she said. “The relationships formed by students support long-lasting diplomatic, research and business links.” She added that “International students build on Australia’s long multicultural history that has created a friendly, tolerant and secular country.”
Australian High Commissioner to Indian John McCarthy said “the top level of the Australian Government is seized of this matter and working very hard to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian students in Australia. As our Foreign Minister Mr Smith has noted, a hotline, staffed by volunteers who are fluent in English and Hindi, has been established to provide support, information and advice to Indian students. We will do our utmost to ensure Indian students continue to enjoy a positive experience in Australia.”
Australia’s Foreign Minister Mr Smith said earlier today that “as Foreign Minister, I’m appalled by these attacks and I condemn them absolutely.” He said “Australia takes very seriously its reputation as a safe destination for Indian students. Action is being taken.”
For further details, contact Shekhar Nambiar, Senior Public Affairs Adviser on 9810154167/ 011-41494351