Rees to welcome Indian students

The NSW government will convene a meeting with Indian community leaders on Friday in
what it says is a pre-emptive strike against attacks on Indian students.
Recent attacks on Indian students have prompted concern in New Delhi, with warnings
the violence could lead to a reduction in the number of Indians coming to Australia
to study.
Premier Nathan Rees said although no attacks had occurred in NSW, he recognised the
growing concern in the Indian community and wanted to tackle the issue before any
violence emerged.
"I have lots of interaction with the Indian community in NSW and in and around
Sydney. I have regular meetings and contacts with Indian community leaders," he told
reporters.
"They know, were there to be an issue, they have a direct line to my office. They
haven't called. This is a pre-emptive measure.
"I don't want what's occurred in Victoria to happen in Sydney."
On Monday, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd warned the attacks threatened to "impair" good
relations with India, a valuable potential market for Australia with a growing
middle class.
Mr Rees said international education was the state's third biggest export, pumping
$5.3 million into the economy each year.
The 20,000 Indian students studying in NSW should be respected by the community and
treated like guests, he said.
"Overseas students, whether they're Indian, Chinese or otherwise, I welcome in NSW,
I welcome in our streets and I welcome in my home," the premier said.
Mr Rees will convene the meeting on Friday which will involve representatives from
the Indian student community, the education sector and Community Relations
Commission chair Stepan Kerkyasharian.
Police Minister Tony Kelly, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and Citizenship
Minister Virginia Judge will also attend the meeting.
India's consul general and a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade representative
have been invited.
On Sunday, tensions over attacks on Indian people came to a head when 400
demonstrators caused gridlock in central Melbourne.
Mr Rees said although the issue of racially motivated attacks was a matter of
national importance, he would be making sure NSW continued to be a safe place for
students.
"Ultimately, what I will do is make sure that the reputation of NSW is preserved
internationally and that's why it is important to meet with community leaders
tomorrow."