Oz tourism minister is much worried about the image of Australia, as the instances of racial attacks on international students continue to grow! Martin Ferguson said during his recent visit to India that post the attacks, the country’s image had to suffer to a considerable degree and he further added that the image would further suffer if the issues are not addressed in the right time!

The minister assured that Australian law enforcement agencies have taken appropriate measures in respect with the increasing number of attacks on Indian students. Until now, Australia recorded a number of sixty-seven prosecutions in terms of long-term imprisonment. He is very concerned about the nation’s image of being a safe welcoming society. He asserted, they can retain this image if issues like racial attacks are attended as soon as possible!

According to the minister, Indian students become victims of these attacks because they live in some of the crime-prone areas in Australia. Melbourne has been touted as one of the cities where most of the racial attacks have been recorded. Another reason why these students are being assaulted is they work in late night shifts. There was a twenty-seven percent of increase in number of students during the year 2008-2009, as compared to the previous year. And over fifty percent of the students live in Victoria, one of the most crime-prone provinces in Australia.

Mr. Ferguson believes measures should be taken to ensure quality education to the Indian students, which can be afforded by the latter without having to spend much time working. He hopes by letting them avoid hard work to survive, like working in late night shifts may decrease the risk of being attacked!