Gautam Gupta

Madness of user pay system...

2011-12-07T22:23:00.001+11:00

Firefighters Let House Burn Because Couple Didn't Pay Protection Fee - http://pulse.me/s/3NtTh

Untitled

2011-10-31T05:10:00.001+11:00

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/nri/visa-and-immigration/6500-indian-students-deported-from-australia-due-to-visa-irregularities/articleshow/10534676.cms?curpg=2

Untitled

2011-10-31T05:09:00.001+11:00

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/nri/visa-and-immigration/6500-indian-students-deported-from-australia-due-to-visa-irregularities/articleshow/10534676.cms?curpg=2

A visual explanation of crowdsourcing [infographic] - Holy Kaw

2011-08-22T21:47:00.001+10:00

Created by oBiz Media. Via Geeks Are Sexy.

Get your data visualized.

via holykaw.alltop.com

TY to Guy Kawasaki. Excellent way to explain a complex system.

My analysis of the Australian Institute of Criminology report on crime against International students

2011-08-11T19:47:00.000+10:00

Link to report here: http://www.aic.gov.au/en/publications/current%20series/special/1-20/001.aspx

The report finds the following:
- It is safer to go to a nightclub than to a service station.
- Public transport and public spaces are unsafe for Indians.
- Indians are wealthier, carry more money than American, Chinese or Korean students hence attracting more robbers

Flaws:
- The under-reporting of crime by international students is ignored
- Data sufficiency is inadequate
- Racism is denied as a factor
- Inadequate explanation if a violent incident (ref Nitin Garg) is considered robbery or assault

Summary:
I welcome clarifications/discussion on my analysis. This is what I could come up with having less than 1 hour to analyse the report.

One thing is for sure, Government is still spending millions trying to prove everything is alright and not a cent to fix the situation. A rather shameful situation indeed.

Multicultural Police

2010-08-28T15:42:00.000+10:00

It seems that Police is working towards improving the percentage of Migrants in the workforce. It is now upto migrants to apply. I hope they do and appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of Indian students in brining this change.

Gautam Gupta Intelligence Squared speech

2010-07-27T22:42:00.000+10:00

Robbers hunted Indian victim

2010-07-26T14:22:00.002+10:00

Read this story. It is amazing that some politicians from both the countries are still in denial. It is time that people such as Mr Lucky Singh be put in the middle of this issue and solutions be created with victims in mind and not export dollars.

Let us also explore the link between poverty and racist violence. There was no need for Mr Singh to be viciously and physically assaulted even if the aim was just to rob him. Why was he bashed senseless?

Story here:

THREE young men drove around searching for an Indian to rob before setting on a student in a phone booth and bashing him unconscious, a court has heard.

The Victorian County Court heard Aleksander Trifunovic drove his friends Shayne Comensoli and Lennon Metaxas around Melbourne's west, looking for an Indian person to rob on the night of October 15, 2009.

Comensoli and Metaxas, who had been drinking at a local hotel, spotted Indian student Lucky Singh, 23, in a phone booth in Sunshine about 1.30am.

The two, both 20, got out of the car and attacked him.

Prosecutor Amelia Macknay said the pair believed a person of Indian ethnicity was most likely to have cash on him.

During the assault, Metaxas punched Mr Singh in the face so hard he fell to the ground.

Comensoli held him while Metaxas punched him repeatedly as Mr Singh screamed in pain and fear.

''Shut up, you Indian motherf-----,'' Comensoli repeatedly said, and then said, ''Now it's my turn,'' before swapping places with Metaxas and delivering more blows.

Hit up to 20 times in the head and face, Mr Singh curled up on the ground covering his head with his arms.

Mr Singh was left bleeding and unconscious on the footpath, suffering bone fractures, severe swelling and bruising.

The pair stole $80 in cash from his wallet and split it between them, then called for Trifunovic, 20, to collect them.

Mr Singh, who had been living in Victoria for eight months, said in his victim statement that the attack had shattered his confidence and he suffered flashbacks. ''I'm too scared to walk at night,'' he said. ''My life has completely changed. I feel scared to go outside.''

Mr Singh said he had thought Australians were welcoming and friendly, but had changed his mind.

Defence barrister Ron Tait denied there was a racial aspect to Trifunovic's crimes.

Metaxas was sentenced in March to three years in a youth justice centre after he pleaded guilty.

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/robbers-hunted-indian-victim-20100714-10b51.html

My presentation at Melbourne Fire Brigade Workshop for improved Fire safety for Indians

2010-07-26T13:58:00.002+10:00

Aishwarya Rai Burns David Letterman in his own show

2010-07-25T00:14:00.000+10:00

“I like curry, I do, but now that we’ve got the recipe is there any need for them to stay?”

2010-07-23T17:11:00.000+10:00

My letter to Indian Consulate in Melbourne written on 12 April 2010

2010-07-21T22:08:00.006+10:00

Dear Ms Nayar,

I write to you as an Australian of Indian descent, who maintains strong affection to both the countries and cultures.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the hard work you have been doing to keep the Indian community united. You have gone out of your way in resolving many community issues including student issues, diplomatic issues and various other issues that has arisen in the past couple of years.
Many people have misunderstandings about the role the Consulate have played and without full knowledge my effort alone is not enough in advocating for the good job that Indian Consulate of Melbourne is doing. I have been asked by some Indian media to visit India to attend a special program that will explore many areas of life and functioning of various systems in Victoria. They would obviously want to know my opinion and the opinion that of the organisation and indeed many Indians whose interest I represent.

I will also be meeting a number of Central cabinet ministers from various parties to discuss the issues. I would hope to raise appropriate matters and to defend my reputation which it seems have been under scrutiny due to false information being fed by some people from here. I will attempt my best to set the record straight and expose the sloth and the corrupt in order to protect my reputation and I do hope you will help me in doing so.
I now write a list of questions that people have asked and I am sure Indians will be interested in knowing.
Specific questions:

1. Has any charges been laid in the cases of:

1. Legend Bar, Epping case

2. The Carrum family break-in case

3. Nitin Garg murder case

2. What percentage of crimes against Indians would you classify as racist and/or opportunist?

3. Why do you think thousands of Indians participated in the march to Parliament last year? Does the Consulate think the rally was politically motivated?

4. The Consulate have suggested to some reporters and Indian parliamentarians that 'FISA is not representative of all students' and to take 'Gautam's words with a pinch of salt'.

1. Can the Consulate please specify if the Consulate knew of any organisation in a democracy that represents everyone?

2. Could you please explain if the Consulate think there is any organisation in Victoria that represents the interests of Indians and Indians students and how many people do they represent?

3. Have you mentioned to them only about Gautam or have the Consulate given them a list of people whom they can't trust?

5. The city of Darebin (the first Victorian city to ever elect an Indian origin Mayor) has recognized FISA with a MOU - what have the Consulate done to work with Darebin or encourage other cities to engage with FISA?

6. Can the Consulate assure that the Consulate is not relying on advice from migration/education agents or private college operators while dealing with student issues over advice from student bodies such as FISA?

7. What is the Consulate's opinion on collapsed colleges?

Has the Consulate conducted any impact analysis on Indian students who have been unwittingly become victims of this scam?
Has any collapsed college operator been charged for any wrongdoing?
Are you in touch with any owner/operator or an agent of any collapsed college?

8. Is any private college operator or migration/education agent or their immediate family member

1. In any elected position representing Indians in Victoria

2. Being investigated for fraud by the Consulate or by Victoria Government (if the Consulate asked for such info)

3. Does the Consulate ask people to declare their conflict of interest when dealing with the Consulate office, and

4. What is the Consulate's official policy on dealing with such conflicted people

9. Last year, Premier announced a Rapid Audit. The result of which was supposed to be released by the end of 2009. The report has not been released yet. Have the Consulate asked them for a copy or details of its release?

10. What is the Consulate action plan on

1. Helping young Indians who have become unwilling victims of crime, fraud and scam

2. Making people aware of agents of Indian origin that may be scamming students

3. Supporting Indians that are countering racism

4. Exposing Australian residents, many of Indian, Greek, Chinese and Sri Lankan backgrounds who are exploiting Indian citizens in education, immigration, housing and employment markets and breaking Australian laws?

11. Do the Consulate support or condemn Victoria Police and particularly the Chief Commissioner when they said or supported the following statements:

1. Indians must not talk in their native tongue in public places

2. Indians must look poor

3. 'I've stopped listening to Mr Gupta a long time back as he has not played a constructive role' - Mr S Overland, Chief Commissioner

4. Does the Consulate think Police has crossed the line and become politically influenced when they make such statements?

12. Is the Consulate aware of any positive contribution made by Gautam and/or FISA?

13. FIAV and Consulate.

1. Does the Consulate think the FIAV followed the court order when changing constitution or electing office-bearers? (The copy of the transcript was provided to the Consulate and the audio recording of the proceeding and finding was heard in the consulate at the community meeting organised by the Consulate.)

2. Did the Consulate ask anyone to follow or not to follow any part of the order?

3. If the Consulate are or were made aware of any breaches in the laws or inappropriate applications of law, what will the Consulate do?

4. A meeting to restructure the FIAV took place at the Consulate residence, where only 5 people participated. Does the Consulate think that was democratic and the outcomes were fair for the community?

5. Does the Consulate think FIAV is the uniting force in the community? How many Victorian Indians do they represent?

14. The Consulate has maintained that FISA must change its representation. Can the Consulate suggest how? What role models are there for FISA?

15. In atleast two interviews the Consulate have suggested that Indian students are to be blamed for the attacks on them. In one such interview it was suggested that 'students coming to Australia are from regional and rural parts of India' implying that these students invite trouble. Please explain. Does the Consulate still maintain it and what suggestions do you give to people, politicians and media on this matter?

16. Do you agree with the High Commissioner Ms S Singh when she singled out Victoria as the only trouble state within Australia?

Why do you think Victoria is the only such state?
Does the Consulate actually think there is anything wrong with Victoria or this is all a media beat-up as claimed by Victorian Premier?

17. Does the Consulate support statements made by prominent Australians like Greg Sheridan, Ted Baillieu, Chris Nyland, Simon Marginson, Archbishop Frier, Tony Abbott and Peter Cosgrove. They have all repeated the statement made by Gautam and FISA about racism and institutional racism in Victoria and Australia.

18. Some people believe that Indian consulate's actions are supporting Labor government especially when they side with them in criticising Indian students and Indian student leadership.

Does the Consulate disagree with those doubting people?
Have the Consulate actually supported and provided support to Indian student representation?

19. Why does the Consulate think hundreds of students contacted Gautam and/or FISA for help despite having IISAC and Indian Consulate?

20. When Minister SM Krishna was in Melbourne, Indian High Commissioner Ms S Singh declared that every Indian that wants legal help will be provided with and has been provided with.

Can the Consulate please provide us with details as to how many cases have the Indian Government provided legal help in?
What level of courts did the case go in and who was the lawyer?
Can not-for-profit organisations such as FISA who fights for life, dignity and rights of ordinary Indian student get legal representation?

21. Consulate has provided support to Indian community groups even access to infrastructure.

Will FISA be given the access and support?
What will FISA need to do to get that support?

22. FISA has submitted a detailed submission to the Australia Federal Senate enquiry. A copy of submission was provided to the Consulate and High Commission.

What is the Consulate opinion about the content of the submission?
Have the Consulate provided a brief to MEA on its contents?
Does the Consulate think there are merits in the submission?
Have the Consulate encouraged any submission from any organisation?
Was the Consulate disappointed that there was only one submission from the whole Indian community?

23. If we want to access copies of information that the Consulate/High commission is holding (if any) or have communicated to MEA about any individual or organisation, under what Act can we request that information be provided – RTI (India) or FOI (Australia). What is the process?

Audio transcript of Press Conference with Cricket Australia

2010-07-02T04:16:00.002+10:00

Audio transcript of Press Conference

Letter to Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, Leader of Shiv Sena

2010-07-02T03:09:00.001+10:00

To: Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, Leader of Shiv Sena

The Federation of Indian Students of Australia deeply appreciates the moral support from Indian politicians and political parties including yours for the well-being and safety of Indian Students in Australia.

We know that you, along with the Indian media are sincerely worried about the welfare of the Indian students in Australia and are concerned about the terrible anxiety the recent attacks have caused to parents from many States in India, including Maharashtra.

This concern by our brothers and sisters in India is welcomed by students in Australia.

Now is the time for those Indians who have bravely stood up for the rights of Indians in Australia to also recognise that Australian Cricketers were the first Australians to voice their condemnation of the attacks on Indians in Melbourne. Great cricket players such as Mr Shane Warne had termed the attacks against Indians as 'atrocious and unacceptable' way back in May/June 2009.

We are therefore humbly requesting you, who have always supported the sons and daughters from all corners of India to drop plans for sanctions against Australian cricketers and instead allow the cricketers to take their place as champions of Indians in Australia.

It is the Indian student's strong desire that there should be no violence or protests against Australian cricketers and instead the Australian Cricketers should be invited to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Indian students and become FAIR GO Ambassadors for all Indians especially when they return to Australia.

If the Australian Cricketers are willing to give the Indian public through leaders of standing like yourself, a pledge to act as FAIR GO ambassadors for Indians and work to end the violence against Indian students in Victoria, as indicated by Cricket Australia, then all bans and protests against the Australian players should be dropped. If you can arrange these pledges and a dropping of sanctions then you will have the gratitude of over 450,000 people of Indian origin in Australia.

We hope that your party can take up this important step that will promote the security of Australian cricketers in India and that you will take the leadership position of recruiting the Australia's cricketing greats to defend the dignity, rights and security of India's sons and daughters with a concrete program of action back in Australia.

In Solidarity,

Gautam Gupta
Founder and Chair
Federation of Indian Students of Australia www.fisa.org.au

0061 413 211 534 / chair@fisa.org.au

Audio transcript of Press Conference

Letter to PM The Hon. Julia Gillard

2010-07-01T23:11:00.005+10:00

24 June 2010

The Hon. Julia Gillard MP
Prime Minister of Australia
Canberra, ACT

Dear Hon Ms Gillard,

Congratulations on your election as the Prime Minister of Australia.

I am delighted that the Australian Labor Party has chosen a Leader who reflects Australia's progressive credentials and its fundamental ideal that any person can rise up to any office in the land. It is a very proud moment that we have in you our first woman Prime Minister. This is a proud moment for every Australian and one that will be celebrated by many people around the world.

Your new office is a great source of encouragement to people throughout the world who believe in democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.

Traditionally, your party has many firsts to its credentials. The apology issued by your party was one of the most significant moments in our nation's history. Today, again your party has taken the lead.

May I also commend the determination and moral courage that you have demonstrated till date in your campaign for a fairer Australia, as well as the kind heart and steady hand that you often showed when challenged. I recall our own discussion last year and these same essential qualities came through in your concern for the welfare of all International students.

As the Prime Minister of Australia, you will certainly have great and difficult tasks before you, but also many opportunities to powerfully transform the lives of those millions who continue to struggle for basic human needs.

There is now an opportunity for you to recreate the strong links with our Asian neighbours that are required for our prosperous future. You can also continue your great work in righting the wrongs of the past, by declaring someone like Ms Cathy Freeman as our First Aboriginal Governor-General or President for this country. I am sure, like always, all Australians will rally behind you in your progressive campaign.

Once again, on behalf of all Australians of Indian descent, I congratulate you on your election to the highest office and invite you for a continued dialogue for a better and more inclusive society.

Yours sincerely,

Gautam Gupta

Text of my speech at the ‘Australia has not escaped its racist past’ debate

2010-06-20T03:22:00.003+10:00

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen;

I agree with the opposition that Australia has made progress. Yes, since the last couple of decades, we have stopped institutionalised killings and stealing kids.

However racism still exists and it exists in every nation – so to argue that Australia is 100% racism free is baloney.

The fact that today we are even discussing whether a long established multicultural society like Australia is racist shows how much the political leadership of this country has dropped the ball on the fight against racism.

In 2009 the Age claimed Victorian crime statistics showed that Indian-born citizens were twice as likely to be victims of street crimes.

But the main impact of racial street crimes was felt by the 50,000 Indian-born students, and not by the more affluent established Indian-born migrant community. Which is also why 'established Indians' could say that they 'felt safe'. How nice for them

The shocking reality was that Indian students were over 400% more at risk than the general Victorian population. According to Police just in one suburb of Maribyrnong 46% of all victims of armed robberies were Indian students.

Few believe the Premier when he tells us Victoria is the safest sate in Australia. And with assault levels 400% greater than ordinary Victorians how can Indian students and their parents have any faith in Victorian claims about racism or crime?

I am proud that I spent every waking hour of my life making sure that the world heard the stories of these victims of violence and racism and; that I fought for the emotional and medical support that they needed.

By standing up for these voiceless victims I have been labelled' by some powerful people as public enemy number one. It is a pity, the public figures did not turn their anger towards the criminals; who terrorised and victimised innocent students from Asia.

The Police response in such cases shocked the world. Police was busy trying to prove how these cases were not racist while suggesting, that Indians should not speak in their native tongue and to look as poor as they can.

The police in Melbourne got tangled in war of words with victims and failed to demonstrate the scientific and clinical precision in crime-solving that is expected of a professional police force.

The incidents of street crime and the indifference of our institutions were communicated directly to their relatives via sms messages and youtube videos. It is no surprise' that thousands of angry young people protested around Australia and worried Asian parents stopped sending their children to Australia.

Furiously denying these attacks while all of Asia watched the video evidence was pure stupidity.

At the time, community leaders like myself were also racially attacked for speaking out, on websites and personally attacked by government officials but shooting the messenger solves nothing. This was just another symptom of obvious racism.

It is very damaging for Australia's Asian-dependent economy that across Asia Australia is now seen as returning to it racist ways this perception in Asia is largely due to our Government's erratic treatment of Asian visa holders and potential migrants and its denials about the recent surge in racial attacks on internationals students from India.

This is not a nicety of political correctness that requires us to make amends in Asia for out treatment of their students – it is a question of economics.

Asia is now both our main banker and our link to economic growth – the fortress mentality of Europe has proven to be a path to stagnation and debt.

We have escaped the shackles of European and Anglo economic stagnation because of three Asian factors:

1) We have in place a huge public spending program underwritten by Chinese capital and

2) We have a massive current and future export trade assured by being locked into supplying the four big Asian trading partners - that is China, India, South Korea and Japan.

3) We have secured a cheap and highly educated source of migrants to repair is fast ageing society

It should be noted that we have used the massive cash cow of international education and discounted labour guest workers schemes like 457 visas to do this.

It is understandable that given this stark economic reality that our current political and media elite want to deal in such absolutes as: is Australia racist or is now free of racism?

The reason that Australia is being called racist today in Asia is largely because of our mono-cultural establishments - the police, the judiciary, the media and the political elite. These lily-white institutions have resisted Asian faces and Asian accents for 40 years even while we opened our doors to Asian migrants.

But letting in Asians and treating them as equals are two distinct things. Asians can be award winning heart surgeons but they cannot be political leaders or police?

We will need to find the courage we found forty years ago to end the white Australia policy in immigration; and reform our institutions to reflect the new reality where both Indian and Chinese born outnumber traditional migrant communities like the Italians and Greeks.

Our media and politicians do not thank Asia for saving Australia from the recession rather they blame Asians for everything from dodgy sushi to rising house prices.

The only thing Asians have not been blamed for are the bushfires but I am sure some channel is working on that story as we speak.

The ever tactful Chinese have called Australia 'an ungrateful kangaroo'. That is their way of expressing their deeply hurt feelings about the rise of racism in our politics, media and even in international business.

Instead of sledging and demeaning Asia's best and brightest who have called Australia home or who seek to make a future here – we should welcome Asia and lock Australia into a bright future. After all as our national anthem says 'we have boundless plains to share'.

We must ask ourselves as to why do our aged and elderly have to wait over a year for hip replacement surgery when we have easy access to millions of Asian professionals?

For the sake of our children we must have the moral courage to confront our racist past and current racist attitudes.

We have to work harder and smarter to alter the Asian viewpoint that still thinks that England stole a continent from a black people – put a fence around it – and for two hundred years had a sign saying 'whites only'.

Saying we are no longer a 'whites only' colony and actually reengineering the key institutions to be multi-racial, is not easy. We are still waiting to see an Aboriginal as an Australian head of state. Let us have someone as inspirational as Cathy Freeman - to be our First President.

She, to many, represents the hopes for the Indigenous of this country.

Let us demonstrate the courage to see Asians, Indigenous, Muslims and Africans in Parliament.

Australia is uniquely placed to tackle this issue; as unlike most of our politicians; ordinary Australians are honest. In a 2003 study by UNSW over 83% respondents recognised that there was a problem with racism in Australia.

Denying the new racism in Australia is pointless. In fact denial of these nasty pockets of hate in our criminal youth and in our police, media and political elites betrays the majority of ordinary Australian citizens who have embraced our Asian future and embraced 'fairness for all' as a way of life.

In January 2010 Former Defence Force Chief General Cosgrove said and I quote "the number of incidents against Indians seemed too many to be coincidences,'' ''If you didn't suspect a racial strand you'd be mad,''

Today I repeat the call he made to all Australians "to deal more openly and directly with race issues than many political figures have been willing to do."

Let's be strong and stop Australia's retreat back to the 1800's. Let us all Advance Australia Fair.

Thank you for listening.

For details and video visit http://www.iq2oz.com/events/event-details/2010-series-melbourne/02-june.php

Australian media must lift its game

2010-06-18T04:04:00.001+10:00

There have been times when people usually query about the media integrity. It has happened many times that our local (Australian) media projected the migrant community in bad light. Just last month various local publications have provided names and pics of Indians charged with anything illegal from stealing a few goods to sexual assault. The language used in such cases had been one to trial them as guilty even without court appearance or judgment.

Unfortunately different standards have been applied when the criminal happen to be from white background. Now a days it has become easy to identify the identity of the criminal, if the media is silent about their identity than most likely they'll be white otherwise their identity and whole family history can be read in the story.

Yesterday, Victoria Police identified and charged the murderer in the Nitin Garg murder case. It is a welcome move that really goes to reassure the community that finally the Police are taking the matter of public safety seriously. As always the identity of the criminal was kept confidential.

BTW, I personally support equality. Either identities for all criminals should be kept confidential or should be disclosed. The selectivity in reporting smells like a rot.

This bias discouraged me to limit my contribution but Nitin Garg case is too important and can have a huge impact. So I finally decided to make a statement. I did only about 10 interviews today and could not entertain another 10 requests. Could not any morning radio shows due to prior engagements.

Guess what, The Indian media carried my statement with my intentions intact. I have not seen what Ch10 did, but I guess The Age definitely pulled another one on me. Here is the evidence.

PTI quoted "Federation of Indian Students in Australia (FISA) spokesperson Gautam Gupta lauded the role of Victorian police in charging the teenager and said the Indian students attack crisis has helped in making Victoria a safe place.

The Age quoted "Federation of Indian Students of Australia spokesman Gautam Gupta said it was too early to say whether the charge would improve relationships between the two countries and it was not about ''one crime, it's about the police attitudes''".

Now one would wonder why will The Age be selective in quoting only a tiny bit of what I said? It also changes the meaning of what I said. The Age Reporter spoke to me at length and I told him exactly what I told PTI. He asked me if this will help bring the countries closer and I explained the issue of inconsistency. But I stressed upon the whole community coming together and congratulating and encouraging the Police. The consistency in Police response, which has been missing till date, will bring the countries and communities back together.

Well, I guess we still have a bit more to go to get a fair and just media. I sincerely hope they see the big picture and really work to bring communities closer.

Transcript from my live chat on www.theage.com.au

2010-06-14T15:46:00.003+10:00

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/heroes--villains-20100613-y5u1.html

Racism has been rife in Australia for over 200 years and Indian students haven't been exclusively subjected to it. while I support any efforts to address what is a community dividing ideology; I couldn't but somewhat react to the Victorian govt's response and concerted efforts with visits to India etc with nothing more than indignation at the display of such hypopracy and the need to respond due to revenue sources rather than addressing the real root of the problem; ignorance and bigotry. Aboriginal Victorians have been subjected to this behaviour without consequence. So the question beckons; why is racism being considered an issue only for the past decade? What about the past 200 years? Racism dose not touch one group and I would call on our Indian community members to acknowledge that they are not the sole victim here.

Marngrook | Colac - June 14, 2010, 8:47AM

You are absolutealy right. If you listen to the video of my interview I highlighted the fact about discrimination in general. One of the first thing I aspire to see is aboriginal representation in our Public institutions. Imagine having an Aboriginal head of state... However, as you pointed out, let us not forget that at this point, Indians are the new kids on the block and at a receiving end. All what we have done is articulated our pain. I am sure the Doctors amongst you will agree that sharing pain reduces it.

I hope we are moving to a new possibility of a national consensus for affirmative action.

Gautam Gupta - June 14, 2010, 12:09PM

I have no doubt that some of the attacks are racially motivated, but it's a pity the analysis doesn't go far enough. Australia is a multi-cultural society and the various migrant groups bring their own prejudices and racism.

Unfortunately the Indian press has presented this as a white Australians attacking Indians issue, when in fact many of the attacks are by gangs of youths containing an ethnic mix.

The question to ask is why this is being presented as a crime committed by white Australians? Here we discover the racism of the Indians themselves.

I've been to India and I've studied Indian philosophy. The term Aryan comes from the Sanskrit 'Arya', which means 'pure'. This is the name the higher castes call themselves, the descendants of the Indo-European migrations of the distant past. These are the people who imposed the caste system on Dravidian India and relegated the adivasi to the category of untouchable. It is a profoundly racist religious movement that glorifies pale skin and despises the 'mleccha', the darker skinned. The spoiled brats of the Arya middle-class are raised to believe they are racially and spiritually superior.

So how many Indian students are Dalit, from the untouchables? Or are many of them spoiled middle-class Arya? I've met some of these students, worked with one who still wore his sacred cord to indicate he was a Brahmin, of the highest caste. He was lazy and arrogant.

Australia is an egalitarian society. And it is especially rich for racist Indians to be calling Australians racist. They need to attend to their own prejudices.

Siddha - June 14, 2010, 9:30AM

I appreciate the effort you have made to go to India and read its rich history and culture. I am not going to argue your interpretation of Indian history but what I will highlight are some of the achievements post independence.

There are over 700 Million registered voters in India, making it the bigest democracy in the world. Less than 20% voters are non-Hindus. Within 60 years of independence India has a Sikh Prime Minister, a Muslim head of Nuclear Program, A Muslim President, the longest serving woman Prime Minsiter, a foreign born Christian Lady head of the ruling Party.

There is a whole list of affirmative action and its successes that I can describe here. However this is not what is the issue here. Two wrongs don't make a right.

This blame game is not going to alter the reality of our own backyards. When Aboriginals die behind Police vans in 2008 whom are we going to blame? Let us take ownership of our community, city and country. Let us not compete but be better from within.

Can you see Australia as the envy of the world in 2020? Can we lead the world in best practise when it comes to multi-cultural practices? Can we alter the reality for aboriginals?

Gautam Gupta - June 14, 2010, 12:20PM

If Gupta truly was concerned about the welfare of Indian students, he would have been complaining about the shocking standard of education being offered to some students. But on that issue, at least, there was not a word from him.

Whatever happened to the funds he raised to support Indian victims of crime? Was that ever distributed?

I deplore racism. However I deplore even more those who seek to benefit from it. Gupta's rhetoric does nothig to quell racism, it only inflames.

A true community representative would be organising events to help foreign students feel welcome in melbourne. Others have done that, why hasn't Gupta?

teiwaz | Richmond, VIC - June 14, 2010, 9:47AM

I welcome your question. I would like to refer you to the submission that we made to the Federal Senate Committee hearing held last year in August/September. I have personally worked on that submission and it is a comprehensive 50 page summary and has extensive examples on the poor quality of education offered to all students.

The report also highlights the quality of life issues with racism related issues taking less than 5 pages of the report. I think the mention of racism has touched an uneasy nerve whereas the other issues are acceptable. Hence we have a situation where the Government is leaving no nuts uncracked to downplay racism and introducing vague and confusing arguments such as comparing with other countries or cultures.

There are a lot of changes that have taken place and are taking place within the education sector as a consequence of the direct action that we have taken and I lead. I am sure you are keeping track of collapsed colleges and expose' of shonky operators. More will come. Keep tuned.

I am not sure what your standards for a true community leader is. Maybe I am not a community leader from your standards and I have no issues with it. But I would like to share my feelings. I feel hurt when I meet victims and share their stories.

When a young person comes and tells how we was bashed in in his house and the Police refused to register a complaint, it hurts. I chose not to sit at home and organise self-indulging events to feel good, but to spend my Christmas evening in Hospital talking to patients and taking them food parcels.

Should I advertise these things? Maybe. I will encourage you to help your fellow human beings and join FISA (Federation of Indian Students of Australia) or any other charity organisation. Help me support these victims of violence and fraud. Together we can make a difference.

I welcome you to also help me promote the social activities that we have organised and lead. Some of them include negotiations with AFL to organise camps for Indian students, organising appreciation breakfasts at Flinders St station, wotk with Cricket Australia to promte the message of harmony and lift sanctions against Australian players from participating in IPL amongst others.

Regarding the victims of crime fund, I again welcome you to enquire from the President or Secretary of FISA. To my knowledge, we had raised some $1900. Approximately $400 of which raised from Sydney for Mr Rajesh. He had sufered burn injuries when his house was petrol-bombed. The rest of the money is still avalaible. Any victim, who has not recieved any government support can simply write to FISA and those funds are then made available to assist them deal with emergencies. Now I understand that it is not a lot of money, but for poor students to raise even this amount of money speaks volumes of their character. I wish the rest of the community establish such programs as there are far too many people living on the edge that need our support and care.

Gautam Gupta - June 14, 2010, 12:41PM

Glad to see that Mr Gupta has disassociated himself from the Liberal Party. It makes them more attractive as a voting option in the coming election. Why you are giving this fraud space for his self-promotion is beyond me.

CM | Melbourne - June 14, 2010, 11:16AM

I have watched this donkey beating the racism drum to lift his profile.

If Australians are racist why have so many different people come here?

Your selfish motives are damaging Indian peoples reputation Mr Gupta.

olive - June 14, 2010, 11:16AM

Gupta couldn't pass his qualification test in the subject he received an education visa and subsequent permanent residency into Australia. Being unemployable and a poster child for the PR rort forced on the Aussie taxpayer through "skills shortages", he decided to beat the racism drum to divert the attention from his own failures. The focus should be on why these unemployable foreign students are allowed permanent residency.

Ya Ya Ya - June 14, 2010, 10:59AM

The last three questions/comments are more of a personal attack. You may not be aware, but many people do and say exactly what you guys have written. But have you actually done your research completely?

Are you aware that I was the Manager for a chain of clinics? I was the Chair of Knox Community Health Services and also was on Monashlink Board? Are you aware that I have assisted with research projects at two universities and have taught Project Management to postgraduates?

I have resigned from various positions and roles to fulfil my dream that of a dynamic society and country. This is my City and my Country. I will do whatever it takes to help it reach it full potential.

Your comments demonstrates the kind of bias you hold and I strongly encourage you to seek help. Please understand that attacking people personally may give your temporary satisfaction and feed your righteousness but overall it decreases the quality of life for everyone including yourself. Why don't you let go off your anger and really talk to me and other Indians directly and really connect. Ask them why did thousands of people gather 3 times in three years? Were they inspired by my leadership or their anger at the system?

I have found peace in helping others and trust me you will find your own game lifted once you connect with people. Be as passionate in critcising the errors in our society as you are in displaying your anger towards me.

Have you approached your local Parliamentarian to express anger when Timana Tahu surrendered his NSW Origin Jersey against racism? Did you join the rally against the death of aboriginals in custody? Did you go and support the African youth after the brutal racist killing of 17 year old young Leib Goni? Did you write a letter to Cricket Australia asking them to lift their game when Darren Lehmann was banned for five games for calling 'Black C..." to African players? Did you question The Police Commissioner when he asked Indians to look poor to be safe in Victoria? Did you write to Attorney General asking him why has no one from the Facebook groups such as 'F*** Off we are full' and others not charged for promoting violence against ethnic minorities? Have you written to Indian High Commission to apologise when a fellow Australian, a Griffith radio jockey, said 'the shit they put around their head must be doing something to their brains' - The Prime Minister of India wears a turban.

But you have taken time to challenge me for raising the issue of racism. Do you think it is easy for me when hundreds of people want to spend hours trying to prove how wrong I am but not spend 10 minutes to really find out of what I have to offer?

I welcome all of you to feel free to organise a forum and I will be happy to come and speak to all of you face to face and answer your questions. I am happy to discuss my evidence for anything I have said.

All I want is for you to consider asking yourself and your elected community leaders, be they in Church, Police, Media or Parliament on why have they not acted to stop racism?

Gautam Gupta - June 14, 2010, 1:07PM

Recent migration rule changes – a necessity or phobia?

2010-05-19T13:00:00.003+10:00

The recent changes in the Skilled Occupation List have brought home the demons for thousands of International students. It was long suspected that such changes may be bought in and many thought that such changes will not be applied retrospectively.

Arguments were launched by many Australians, on how honesty and fair-go in the central fabric of the Australian culture. I doubt that. It was once the fabric of this society, not anymore. It has been degraded by the Government which is run not by leaders but by people with expertise in the business of politics. They have bought in their habit of wheeling and dealing to the fore of Governance killing any humanity that there was left.

The recent changes reflect the inherent racism that results from the stupidity and greed. I doubt the Government's intention when they changed the rule that is designed to throw the yellow and brown out. Did they not know that this change is designed to hurt only a particular section, class and type of people?

I have been contacted by many news agencies and I have refused to give any statements. It is a waste to say anything to anyone as most of what I have said has been used for showbiz but it has not made difference on the ground. In fact the government has now gone ahead and cut the students jugular to bleed them to death.

I have had enough of threats and insults from Australian Government agents. Last time even the Indian Consulate told me not to speak. They wanted to hand-pick the representative and according to them I am not that. I want to see how the Indian Consulate will defend the rights of Indians which they claim to do on media every now and then. BTW, for record, the Indian Consulate blames Indians for attacks as they believe that when people come from poor and regional backgrounds they do not have civic sense and end up causing all the trouble.

I have given Navjot Singh from AISA's contact details to a couple of journalists for comments. He was leading at the last FISA rally and wanted to do something. My best wishes to all who want to make a difference. I do hope that Navjot and others are able to gather enough courage and sense to show the light of injustice on this matter. In Melbourne, I have offered to all students who contacted me to take the leadership on this matter. I will continue to offer moral support and guidance for anyone who wants it.

Of Royal Commissions, Honesty and Victoria

2010-04-22T06:00:00.004+10:00

Read this story on
http://www.theage.com.au/national/fury-over-brumbys-comment-on-williams-20100421-szz7.html

Not surprisingly Brumby plays down truth for political purposes. Well migrants are used to Brumby playing down truth and now every Victoria is getting used to institutionalized neglect. When Brumby has refused to call for a Royal Commission into attacks on Indian student how can we expect a royal commission now?

Well news for Brumby, students who died were innocent.
BTW, one issue always surprises me – why haven't the opposition used their numbers in Upper house to call for a Royal Commission into student attacks? We know Brumby has to defend a Government action what is the Opposition defending?

Fury over Brumby's comment on Williams
Sarah-Jane Collins and Reid Sexton
April 22, 2010 - 3:00AM
PREMIER John Brumby has been accused of deliberately playing down the murder of Carl Williams for political purposes, and of allowing corruption to flourish in Victoria.
The claims came after Mr Brumby yesterday dismissed calls for a judicial inquiry or royal commission into the murder, arguing that Williams was a "serial killer" and that a royal commission on his death was unnecessary.
Williams' solicitor, Rob Stary, accused the Premier of putting politics first and ignoring the possibility of police corruption in the case. "That's precisely the sort of response you would expect from someone who through their stewardship has seen this level of corruption flourish," Mr Stary said.
The comments came as Victoria Police yesterday launched a specialist taskforce to investigate whether corrupt officers played a role in Williams' death.
It was the fourth probe to be announced since Williams was bashed to death on Monday in the high-security Acacia unit of Barwon Prison. Other inquiries are being done by police, the coroner and the Office of Correctional Services Review. The Office of Police Integrity is also overseeing the police inquiries.
Responding to calls for a judicial probe or royal commission, Mr Brumby said: "To be honest, what occurred in the prison was obviously unacceptable, but the person concerned was a serial killer.
"I think it would be quite unnecessary and a quite inappropriate use of taxpayers' money to have a royal commission. The three inquiries are there, I think they're more than enough to do the job."
Mr Stary said it made no difference whether Williams was a killer. "Once you start personalising things like that and you say Mr Williams is an unworthy person therefore what's occurred to him requires some sort of scant response, you miss the real issue."
He said Mr Brumby was playing politics. "That's what you'd expect a politician to do ... It's disappointing, to be honest. I've got a fair bit of respect for the Premier, but I think it's an ill-advised comment."
Liberty Victoria president Michael Pearce, SC, said he was surprised. "If the Premier is suggesting that there ought not to be a full inquiry because Carl Williams is a serial killer, that's a sentiment that I can't agree with. It sounds out of character, but it's very unfortunate."
Mr Pearce said the murder of any person in custody, regardless of their personal history, was concerning. "The public are entitled to know the full story about what happened and how it happened and the public's right to know that is not in any way affected by the status of the person who was murdered."
Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu renewed his calls for an independent anti-corruption commission, saying Williams' death raised questions. "I do have reservations, certainly about Corrections Victoria investigating itself," he said.
Mr Baillieu said the OPI's involvement in the case raised questions about the motives behind the murder.
"The only conclusion that Victorians can draw is that there's something else going on that Victorians don't know about. All of that would suggest that some other investigation is necessary."
He said it did not matter who Williams was. "John Brumby's dismissal of any need to further consider an independent inquiry shows he is not interested in uncovering the truth."
Responding last night, a spokeswoman for the Premier said: "Victoria already has strong powers through Victoria Police and the OPI to conduct an investigation".
Meanwhile, police launched "Operation Driver" to investigate the Williams killing "beyond the immediate facts", possibly targeting corrupt police and prison officers. It will be headed by Superintendent Doug Fryer of the drug taskforce and will work with the homicide squad.
Deputy commissioner Sir Ken Jones said the taskforce would investigate all possibilities, including if corrupt police had wanted Williams dead.
The prison workers' union yesterday rejected claims that guards delayed helping Williams as he lay dying, saying they had followed all procedures.
Community and Public Sector Union spokesman Julian Kennelly said: "The union is disgusted that crime scene information can so easily be put into the public domain to misrepresent the facts."
Corrections Victoria commissioner Bob Hastings would not comment on the alleged delay but said his staff had done the best they could.
This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/national/fury-over-brumbys-comment-on-williams-20100421-szz7.html

Response to a biased and factually incorrect TOI Article

2010-04-18T19:52:00.005+10:00

Response/Concerns

I doubt if the reporter has done any research on social life in Australia or even in India. I don't think that it is acceptable for any unwanted/uninvited guest to enter into any house without permission. It is called trespassing and is punishable by law.

The question that has to be asked is - did the Police or authorities apply the full force of law?

This style of reporting clearly smells of bias, anyone can have a drink or party at home. It is part of basic human right. But what is unacceptable is anyone breaching someone's privacy and dignity.

I have personally met Shravan and all his friends. They all came from a very decent and good family. They were socialising within friends and as stipulated there were no 'free flowing liquor' or 'indian girls' at the party. It was decent get-together as reported to me on the day of the incident.

I was personally with them for the first week when none of the named distinguished people even bothered to support the suffering students. In fact the Indian Consulate people came, after 4 days, after the issue was carried diligently by the Indian media.

The reporter actually missed the facts again. The gathering outside the Parliament was actually a peace walk organised when Victorian Government refused to even acknowledge the increasing attacks against people of Indian origin. By Police's own admission there were approximately 3 to 4 reported incidents against Indians and Indians were 3 to 4 times more likely to be victims of attack.

The idea was to get attention in a peaceful way which will also give people a way to vent their frustration. The peace walk was the protest of the silent majority.

Contrary to the reporter's observation there were thousands of people in the walk. No stones were thrown at the Parliament House. In fact, Shravan's room-mates, friends and well-wishers finished the rally by lighting candles on the footsteps of Parliament.

I would challenge the reporter to show any gathering of thousands of angry young people that ends so peacefully.

People on their way to the station were enticed by rabble-rousers. In fact, I personally worked with the Chief Commissioner of Police to try to diffuse the crowd. A fact that was substantiated by him at the time. I am sure a simple phone call to him will clarify the reality on who was helping.

For record, I am not aligned to any political party and I definitely do not hold any extremist view point.

This reporter made no attempts to contact me. In fact I was contacted by three staff from TOI during the last 4 days, including Shobhan Saxena Senior Asst Editor (Sunday Times). We spoke on the phone atleast 3 times and exchanged a number of emails. How come only this reporter failed?

For record, I am not a Cardiologist.

It also seems that the reporter has only met with people with a certain viewpoint. I think the reporter would have done justice by mentioning that the Indian associations they are talking about is headed by an Education Agent. A declaration of conflict of interest generally is indication of an accountable reporting. Did the reporter ask if the people named in his report have not made profit from student migration either by way of earning commissions or migration work?

The implication that people from other countries are not concerned about crimes and discrimination again shows the lack of knowledge and professionalism in reporting. In fact Government of China had issued a number of warnings to Government of Australia even before Government of India did anything. Testament to the fact that crimes against Indians is a serious problem is the fact the United Nations Human Rights Commission has asked Australia to present a report on such attacks to the United Nations.

Let us not rile the memories of young men and women of India who have lost their future and in some cases their lives in seeking a better future. There is nothing wrong in people seeking better future. I think these young Indians - where ever they are from - deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

They are hard-working people and are sons and daughters of hard working parents. What we should be worried about and writing and exposing are the 40% college operators and education agents who are nothing more than scam agents hurting Australia and India and their good citizens.

Excerpts from TOI article here.

Liquor, much like loud music and laughter, flowed freely at the party. On such occasions, it is not unusual for uninvited guests to join in the revelry. When two young, white gatecrashers rang the doorbell, the Indians welcomed them with open arms. But soon the booze began to take its toll. Hot words were exchanged when the whites made passes at Indian girls. They were shown the door.

Pasted from <http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/Oz-us-A-banged-up-equation/articleshow/5826770.cms>

Even as Shravan Kumar struggled for his life in the hospital, a small group of left-wing radicals, both Indian and Australian, staged a demonstration outside the Victoria state Parliament House. They shouted angry slogans, pelted a few stones and bricks, broke some windows. From the sidelines, half a dozen or so members of the Australian Socialist Party, a fringe group, made provocative speeches. Among the rabble-rousers, according to a witness, was an Indian, Gautam Gupta, a failed businessman and a jobless cardiologist who over the years had fancied himself as an avatar of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. (Efforts to reach Gupta bore no fruit.) By sunset, the police had dispersed the demonstrators. Along the way however they, and especially the firebrand Gupta, attracted a huge amount of attention in the national media. And that coverage in turn got the Indian media all worked up.

Pasted from <http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/Oz-us-A-banged-up-equation/articleshow/5826770.cms>

Indian community associations are making a valiant effort to come to the rescue of students duped into coming to the country. They are lobbying the government to strengthen security for Indians and to come down hard on the perpetrators of violence. The Indian consulate, too, is straining every nerve to assist them. But it is woefully understaffed. All the same, the leaders — including high-profile ones like Vasan Srinivasan, who very nearly got elected to the Victoria parliament; Vernon da Gama, a hugely sought-after solicitor and Ravi Bhatia, the suave and highly admired CEO of a telecom company — are unanimous in their belief that the issue at stake in the spate of attacks on Indians is not so much racism as a question of maintaining order and enforcing the law.

They repeat that the Indian media's charges of racism quite correctly rile the Australians. This, in turn, tarnishes the entire Indian diaspora, most of whose members are successful professionals and adds strains and stresses to the India-Australia bilateral relationship. I asked the community leaders why Indians were targeted and not students from other countries. One reason, I was told, is that most of the other students come from good social backgrounds. They have a working knowledge of English and have the necessary funds to pay for their education.

Pasted from <http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/Oz-us-A-banged-up-equation/articleshow/5826770.cms>

Australian attitudes ranks India poorly

2010-04-18T03:00:00.005+10:00

A recent survey says Australians have a negative attitude to some of our nearest neighbours. Out of ten countries, Indonesia and India, along with Israel, score the worst.

Presenter: Matt Abud
Speakers: John Utting, UMR Research; Gautam Gupta, Indian Students Federation of Australia spokesman; Alison Carroll, Asia Link

Listen:
Windows Media

I am always surprised at such outcomes not because the outcomes are unexpected, but because both the Governments – Indian and Australian, are lacking a will to do anything about it. I believe the attacks are a result of such attitudes and not enough has been done to change this attitude.

It is high time that both the countries start seeing each other as more than mere trading partners.

How to kill a campaign – Lessons from Victoria

2010-04-11T12:47:00.002+10:00

Read this story of Mrs Jan Beer. She was tracked and spied upon by the government agencies empowered to protect and serve us. I am concerned at the lows that we have reached in this state. This state has actually become a nanny state where honest citizens are being subjected to bullying and ridicule as part of controlling the public opinion.

The Government solution is draconian and reflects social hegemony - threaten the campaigner to kill the campaign.

I would request readers to please suggest which department would be keeping secret dossiers about me. The natural choice will be Victoria Police, Department of Premier or Education in partnership with Educational institutions and agents.

This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/pipeline-critic-spied-on-tailed-20100410-rzy2.html

Pipeline critic spied on, tailed

Melissa Fyfe
April 11, 2010 - 3:00AM

THE extent of the Brumby government's monitoring of protesters has been revealed for the first time, with previously secret documents showing a key north-south pipeline critic was spied on, filmed, photographed and tailed while driving.

Her activities were tracked, noted and shared with the police over two years.

The state's Privacy Commissioner is investigating the government's extensive monitoring of Jan Beer, 62, a Yea farmer and Plug the Pipe spokeswoman.

Civil libertarians say privacy laws have been broken and the documents show the government has stepped on basic rights in its efforts to protect major projects from lawful protests.

Using freedom-of-information laws, Mrs Beer asked Melbourne Water to release all information held about her. Melbourne Water, the government entity behind the construction of the controversial pipeline designed to deliver extra water to the city, identified more than 600 pages of material in 102 documents. It recently released 88 of the documents to Mrs Beer.

The information in the documents - mostly monthly, weekly and incident reports shared between the water authority and its three private construction partners in the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance - was collected by private security officers and government pipeline workers. The notes record Mrs Beer's activities not only near pipeline sites, but also elsewhere, such as at a local wetland where she gave a talk to students last year.

The documents frequently note that her ''activities will continue to be monitored'' and that the information was shared with Victoria Police and even the force's Security Intelligence Group, the division that does counterterrorism work. The released material included photographs and about 35 minutes of video footage of Mrs Beer at protests.

In one of the documents, an Alliance worker records following Mrs Beer along the Melba Highway as the Yea farmer inspected the pipeline route. Mrs Beer's newspaper letters, talkback calls and media comments are also documented.

Most notes taken about Mrs Beer do not accuse her of illegal behaviour - except for her arrest, with eight others, for trespass and obstruction, at a 2008 protest. The charges never reached court.

The documents released to Mrs Beer also reveal a new level of government media monitoring, with the Alliance paying a company $17,500 to analyse whether print coverage was favourable and to observe the coverage of ''standout publications'' and ''standout journalists''. The names of the publications and journalists had been deleted.

Liberty Victoria president Michael Pearce, SC, said it appeared Melbourne Water had breached privacy laws as it was not allowed to collect information about Mrs Beer without evidence she was planning an unlawful act. ''These people don't have a general right to spy on people who are opposed to what they are doing. This is a return to the bad old days of the Special Branch and ASIO snoops everywhere.''

Anthony Bendall, deputy commissioner at Privacy Victoria, would not comment on the specific case, but told The Sunday Age that the law says a government entity must give reasonable notice to a person that it was collecting information about them; must tell them why they are collecting the information, and how they will use it.

Mrs Beer says Melbourne Water never told her about the monitoring. ''If it was any other individual collecting this sort of information on me … they would in all likelihood be charged with harassment and stalking.''

But Melbourne Water insists it did not breach privacy laws and was monitoring protesters under the Water Act, which allows for ''reasonable measures'' to stop the obstruction of infrastructure. A spokesman said the monitoring had nothing to do with the controversial Memorandum of Understanding the Alliance signed with Victoria Police. The MOU has not been released but, if it is similar to the desalination MOU, would provide for the public and private parties to gather intelligence on protesters and share it with police.

Refusing to comment on Mrs Beer, Melbourne Water and the government said monitoring was necessary because the construction sites were numerous, potentially dangerous and subject to many threats and incidents.

Government spokesman Luke Enright said: ''Pipeline opponents threatened to blow up the pipe, physically intimated, abused and swerved their cars at pipeline workers and in one instance threw a Molotov cocktail at the site, so monitoring them when they were seen around the pipe was more than justified.''

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said the government had become paranoid. ''These revelations confirm many of our worst fears that the Brumby government is engaged in spying and harassment of opponents.''

India and Australia sign education cooperation deal

2010-04-10T08:18:00.003+10:00

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia/stories/201004/s2868388.htm

Updated April 9, 2010 11:02:08

Australia and India have signed an agreement to boost cooperation in the education sector. The agreement was signed in Melbourne between Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Julia Gillard and India's Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal. India and Australia have identified "the safety and wellbeing of students" as a matter of "high priority" in the bilateral efforts to build a broad partnership. It comes after a spate of attacks on Indian students in Melbourne strained relations between the two countries.

Presenter: Stephanie March
Speakers: Julia Gillard, Australia's Education Minister; Kapil Sibal, India's Human Resource Development Minister; Gautam Gupta, spokesman for the Federation of Indian Students of Australia

Listen: Windows Media

MARCH: It is important agreement for what Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard says is an important sector.

GILLARD: There is nothing more important to links between nations than links on education because they grow people to people links and understanding.

MARCH: Ms Gillard says the joint ministerial statement signed by herself and India's Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal is aimed at deepening educational ties and setting up a joint council to look at education related issues between the two countries. While the statement didn't out line many details about how the two countries will collaborate, the offer of training possibilities for Indian teachers comes amid a massive overhaul of the country's education sector. India's government earlier this month enacted the Right to Education act. It brings India in line with 130 other nations that guarantee the government will provide free and compulsory schooling to primary age children. Minister Sibal says implementing the act however will mean training up to 800-thousand teachers.

SIBAL: We have a shortfall, but that shortfall will be filled up by people who may not have the qualifications to date but will have to acquire them in the next five years.

MARCH: The Indian government is also trying to expand its own higher education sector. At the moment, only 12.4 per cent of students eligible to pursue higher education are able to find places at Indian universities and colleges.

SIBAL: And the challenge is to increase to gross enrolment ratio from 12.4 to 30 percent by 2020 which means increasing this 20 million to around 60 million. So 40 more million children will go to college by 2020.

MARCH: That means setting up around 800 new universities and 50,000 colleges.

SIBAL: We can't do it on our own, no government can do it on it's own. So we need collaborations with other governments, we need collaborations with foreign education providers, with industry at home. It is in that context we are reaching out to the rest of the world and saying here is an opportunity.

MARCH: India's education problems extend far beyond its own borders. Indian students studying in Australia have been subject to violent attacks and found themselves falling victim to problematic education providers who have been unable to give students the services they pay for. The attacks prompted the Indian government to issue a travel advisory warning students against coming to Australia. Despite the spirit of cooperation on show at the agreement signing ceremony in Melbourne, Minister Sibal wouldn't be drawn on wether or not that advisory remains in place.

SIBAL: As far as the advisory it was given in Feburary, students are still coming to Australia, and we have not prevented them to coming to Australia, right? So we do believe both sides cognisant of the problems Indian students are facing. I think the Australian government is taking strong steps in that direction to prevent those things happening.

MARCH: It's on this issue of student safety and education quality that some industry groups say the agreement doesn't go far enough. Gautam Gupta is the spokesman for the Federation of Indian Students of Australia.

GUPTA: "As an Australian I think it's a great agreement. For Australia it is good. It is good for Australian economy. From an Indian point of view I think they should have... Indian government should have asked for more safety and safeguards for their students in Australia. Safety from fear and safety from fraud."

Where the bloody hell are you – Victoria police

2010-04-09T01:30:00.002+10:00

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/video-posted-on-youtube-apparently-shows-louts-running-amok-on-bus/story-e6frf7jo-1225850104271

Imagine if there was an Indian, Chinese or African travelling on the same bus….

C'mon Simon, show some guts and ask these louts to keep a low volume. Stop insulting Victoria by promoting it as a nanny state by blaming the victims. Catch some crims mate.