Bligh Government to host second Indian Community Roundtable

Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
24/11/2009
Bligh Government to host second Indian Community Roundtable
 
Multicultural Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk will today host the second Ministerial Indian Community Roundtable at Parliament House in Brisbane.

Ms Palaszczuk said the event would bring together student representatives, local Indian community leaders and Government members to build on the outcomes of the first Roundtable held in June.

The first Roundtable was convened in response to reports of racially motivated violence against Indian and other international students in Victoria and New South Wales.

"We want to send out a very clear signal that racism has no place in Queensland," Ms Palaszczuk said. "Queensland has so far avoided the racially motivated attacks seen in other parts of the country, and we want to keep it that way.

"We're working closely with Queensland's Indian community and asking the public to treat all international students with respect. They make a valuable contribution to Queensland, and they have a right to feel safe and welcome here.

"The Premier has made it clear to India and other countries that Queensland is open for business to international students. Students are good for our economy and they enrich Queensland's cultural life."

Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland had a good track record of welcoming international students.

"There are around 17,000 students from India enrolled in Queensland, and we want to keep the State's well-deserved reputation as a safe and friendly place for international students."