Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expressed “sorry” in front of the whole nation. Almost 70 years back, up to 10,000 British children were shipped to Canada and Australia to enhance the “white stock” in Australia.
According to the British parliamentary report, the step was intended to “maintain the racial unity of the empire.” Some of them were taken from their premises without informing their parents and were promised a better future ahead.
The worst thing is that they were forced to work in some bad conditions after reaching their new home. Above all, some children were told that their parents are dead. The Child Migrant Programme was intended to offer a better future to disadvantaged children, but a majority of them were forced under labor.
Mr. Rudd apologized for this “ugly” deed by the country in the 1940s. He said that the country is extremely sorry for the emotional and physical sufferings that were embedded on those poor and innocent children that time. Tears came out flowing from his eyes, while he was uttering those words of apology.
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In a quick response to the recent closures of four Australian institutions, the Aussie government has come out with new measures for overseas students, commencing from Jan 1, 2010.
Earlier, it was mandatory for the international students requiring a new visa to pay the A$540 student visa application charge if they want to enroll themselves in another educational institute and continue with their studies. According to the new visa measures, these students will be exempt from paying the same, confirmed Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Senator Chris Evans. He further explained that the introduction of these beneficial measures would assure that international students are not burned with any additional financial stress.
The Australian government has also increased the minimum financial requirements for the international students. From Jan 1, 2010, it would become essential for the international students to show a proof of their financial funds of a minimum of A$18,000 (earlier it was A$12,000).
In another damage control measure, Australian PM will arrive in India on 11 November for a short visit. He will be watching the India-Australia ODI on Wednesday and hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday. The topic of discussion would be dominated by racial attacks on Indians.
Lots of India-Australian activities on one day!
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