Australia’s Victorian Premier John Brumby today said that he has sought another meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sujata Singh to brief her on the steps taken by his government to prevent the attacks on Indian students. Singh who is heading home next week to discuss the attack crisis reportedly criticised Victoria for being in a state of denial over the scale of the problem and falling behind New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia intackling racist attacks. Premier Brumby said he would brief Singh on the progress that had been made, including boosting police patrolsin high risk areas like railway stations and toughening up police powers to search for weapons.Meanwhile, the Age reported that Brumby mooted a possible Indian taskforce for tackling racist attacks that is said to merely formalise work already being carried out. Brumby is also meeting cricketer Shane Warne tomorrow to discuss promotion of Australia in the sub-continent, including a possible friendship cricket game.The move comes after Indian High Commissioner has reportedly met Australian Governor-General, warning of long term consequences unless more action was taken to prevent attacks against the Indians. She has believed to have told the Governor-General Quentin Bryce that Australia is not racist but warned of long term effect unless more action was taken to prevent attacks. Citing more than 100 incidents of racist violence against Indians, she told Bryce Victorian authorities are in denial over the scale of the attacks.
News On AIR | February 4, 2010 1:48 PM
Victorian premier sought another meeting with Indian high commission for briefing on security