°Perspective
Here’s a somewhat different perspective:
From The Age: “There have been some racially based attacks, and they’re completely repugnant and unacceptable,'’ [the Premier] Mr Brumby said. “Having said that, we need to keep this in perspective, and that is that’s in all the places that students can study around the world. Victoria would be amongst the very, very safest.”
So, let’s be very clear: having made a moral gesture against racist violence (and denied the role of police in such), the important thing to do - to keep it all “in [fiscal] perspective” - is secure the education industry.
It’s a great export opportunity for Canada:
http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=15771328
And even the BJP, licking wounds from their electoral defeat, is protesting AU racism in Mumbai:
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/3344801-bjp-seeks-security-of-indian-students-in-australia
Brett [June 1, 2009 @ 10:42 pm]
And here’s a gallery with the Delhi Rudd burning:
http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/world/indians-protest-against-attack/20090601-bsxy.html
Brett [June 2, 2009 @ 7:44 pm]
And re he 20 hr work restriction on 572 and 573 visas for international students, this grab from Immigration and Citizenship Fact Sheet No. 86 Overstayers and Other Unlawful Citizens (released 27 May 2009 amid the recent ’spate of attacks’) is interesting reading:
Overstayers and others who are working illegally are also taking job opportunities away from unemployed Australian citizens and residents.
http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/86overstayers-and-other-unlawful-non-citizens.htm
How should this statement be read in light of reports such as this from India’s Economic Times back in March?
A senior diplomat at the High Commission told ET that in the last six months, there have been 500 cases of assault on Indian students, registered by the police authorities across Australia. There are fears that such incidents of muggings, theft, racial abuse, car jackings and even murder are on the increase because of the economic meltdown and loss of jobs.
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/mar2009/gb20090330_269787.htm?chan=rss_topDiscussed_ssi_5
Brett [June 3, 2009 @ 8:58 pm]