PA/20/09 3 July 2009
High-Level Australian Delegation visits India to reinforce Australia-India Education Relationship
A high-level Australian delegation will arrive in New Delhi on 6 July to help strengthen the Australia-India Education relationship and to outline the steps that have been taken to protect the well-being and safety of Indian students in Australia. The delegation will visit eight key cities - Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Kolkata - between 6 -15 July.
The delegation is being lead by Mr Colin Walters, a senior official from the Australian Department of Education. The delegation includes representatives of Australia’s international education and training sector and federal and state government agencies, including the Victorian State Police.
“The education delegation’s visit offers the opportunity to reassure the Government, the students and the Indian public that we are committed to ensuring the security and well-being of Indian students in Australia and that they have a safe and positive experience during the period of their study in our country,” said the Australian High Commissioner to India, Mr John McCarthy.
“By listening to the views of the government officials, parents and students in India, the Australian delegation will be able to better inform initiatives designed to assist Indian students presently studying or contemplating studying in Australia,” Mr McCarthy added.
The Australian delegation will listen to the concerns of Indian officials, parents and students and will present details of the initiatives that have been taken in Australia to enhance the well-being of international students. These include:
• The decision by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to adopt a number of additional measures to enhance the well being and safety of international students.
• The Prime Minister’s announcement of an International Students Roundtable in Canberra on 14-15 September 2009 to hear directly from international students about their concerns.
• Developing a comprehensive national International Students Strategy to improve international student pre and post arrival information, enhance interaction between international students and the broader Australian community, adopt measures to promote cultural understanding and tolerance, and consider the quality of education providers.
• Support greater levels of interaction between international students and local communities, including engaging international students through social and sporting events.
• Distribution of the third edition of the “Living and Studying in Australia Guide” to ensure students are well prepared before arrival in Australia.
• Review of the legislation that provides for the rights of an international student to help strengthen Australia’s education quality framework.
• Actions taken to increase the physical security of Indian students in Australia, including strengthened police operations.
• The establishment of two high level government taskforces.
• A range of initiatives announced by various Australian State Governments and education authorities to strengthen support for international students.
These steps demonstrate the resolute commitment of all levels of the Australian Government to improve the experience of international students in Australia so they find Australia a welcoming, safe and supportive place to study and live.
For further information, please contact, Mr Shekhar Nambiar, Senior Public Affairs Adviser, on (0) 98101 54167.
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