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The Honourable Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Mr. Vayalar Ravi, began a two day visit to Melbourne with a
meeting with Premier John Brumby. The discussion covered a range of issues affecting the Indian community in Victoria, and especially the Indian students here. Minister Ravi acknowledged the usefulness of the dialogue between India and Australia on these issues as also the positive impact of the various initiatives taken by the Victorian government to enhance the safety and security of Indian students.

He however urged the Premier not to discontinue or scale-down these initiatives, and also to take further action in areas relating to transport concessions, availability of suitable accommodation, regulation of education institutions, and providing employment opportunities to graduating students (especially those not covered by the new
SOL) through state sponsored migration and other avenues.

Minister Ravi also

visited Victoria University where he interacted with Indian students and heard from the VU
authorities and the Victorian Police on Operation Guardian and on other initiatives aimed at improving the safety of Indian students and their quality of lifein Melbourne.

Minister Ravi also met with Education, Skills and Workforce Participation Minister, Hon. Bronwyn Pike, and reiterated IndiaÕs concerns about the problems being faced by the students, including the need to increase employment opportunities in the light of the new SOL.

During his visit, Minister Ravi also interacted with representatives of the Indian community in Melbourne and visited the International Student Care Service set up by the Victorian Government.