Melbourne: The Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Evans, had recently assured that the Australia would be a safe place for Indians.
"We are going to wrok hard to make that point that australia is a safe place for indians to study, to migrate to, to work in. They are welcome here," said Evans.
Is it just an assurance? Or Australia really mean action? What has it done so far?
It has formed a task force under the National Security Advisor. Members will visit sensitive areas and address security concerns directly. It has also set up a hotline - students can call in with concerns and complaints, even anonymously.
The police in Australia are facing accusations of racism. What is being done to restore faith of Indian students in this vital support system? Nothing, even though students have stopped reporting racial crimes for fear of losing their visa.
"Indian students are in a very large number in Australia and they are very successful. We are very keen on promoting the education industry and promoting Indian students coming to Australia," said Evans.
Nearly five lakh international students were enrolled in Australian institutions in 2008, and about one-fifth of them were Indians.
Indians say that they see a disturbing pattern in how Australia has been treating the community, which generates so much income for the nation. In September 2008, Australian government labelled India has a high-risk immigration category, prone to frauds and crimes. And during this recent spate of attacks, it has been slow in taking action, sharpening the divide further.