AUS-STUDENTS 2 LAST

Rohitas Batta of the United Indian Associations said the
issue was largely a law and order matter but more could be
done to educate communities to bridge "cultural gaps."

However, the committee report favoured New South Wales
and Victoria falling into line with other states and offering
travel concessions to international students, the paper said.
"The committee acknowledges that, with a lack of
understanding regarding personal safety, the circumstances in
which international students often find themselves may give
rise to fears of racism, and they may interpret a negative
experience as motivated by racism even though no such motive
exists," the report said.
It also backed calls for an independent ombudsman for
international students, recommending an extension of the
Commonwealth Ombudsman.
The report said the students should be given more
information on personal safety before they arrive in
Australia, which should be reinforced by providers, according
to the paper.
The inquiry was moved by the Greens party in June after a
string of attacks against Indian students in Melbourne and
Sydney prompted major street protests. PTI KIM
SKT


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.