Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister, John Castrilli last night met with the Honorary Indian Consul to Perth, Mrs Sushma Paul and two Indian student representatives to discuss issues relating to publicised violent incidences involving foreign students.
Mr Castrilli said that the group was keen to express their concerns about the ongoing safety of international students studying in Australia.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe in the community, irrespective of their race, religion or creed," he said.
"Racially motivated crime in Western Australia will not be tolerated.
"Violence against anyone is to be deplored; however, assaults and other criminal offences which are racially motivated are recognised by the law as being extremely serious.
"For example, common assaults committed in circumstances of racial aggravation attract a maximum penalty of three years rather than 18 months - double that which would have otherwise been imposed.
"There are also severe penalties for all forms of racial vilification under the Criminal Code, whether or not violence is involved."
The Minister said that the Indian community in WA was the third largest in Australia, with 22,000 people of Indian ancestry residing in the State and a further 3,800 international students from India studying here. The number of Indian students in WA tertiary institutions had risen considerably in recent years and education was a vital part of the State's bilateral relationship with India.
"The State Government is committed to ensuring that international students are valued and welcome in the WA community and that we collectively foster a safe, peaceful and prosperous environment for all Western Australians," Mr Castrilli said.
"I have instructed the Office of Multicultural Interests to continue to work closely with the WA Police, to follow up any concerns and complaints that are received.
"The public at large will not tolerate malicious acts of these kinds and neither will the State Government."
Minister's office - 9213 6800
