Labor condemns latest attack on Chinese students
Pictured from left: Peter Chan; Robert Furolo MP - Shadow Minister for Citizenship & Communities; Patrick Voon; John Robertson MP - Leader of the Opposition and Kenrick Cheah). Photo by Samantha Dawson
NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson declared support for multiculturalism as a non-waver and pledged to consult closely with migrant communities in developing a fresh agenda for NSW.
Mr Robertson condemned the attack on two Chinese students late April and called on the O’Farrell Government to convene an urgent meeting between students, the education sector and police over the safety concerns of international students. NSW
He met with the Chinese Australian Forum at Parliament House early May to discuss the attack and what could be done to prevent such incidents in the future.
“I was appalled to hear of the violence on a Sydney train this week where two Chinese students were attacked,’’Mr Robertson said.
“What is more alarming however, is suggestions there was a racist element in the attacks. Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure in Sydney and NSW, and in particular our guests from overseas.
“It is absolutely vital that we send a strong message to the international community that this sort of violence will not be tolerated.”
Shadow Minister for Citizenship, Robert Furolo, said: “The O’Farrell Government should hold an urgent meeting to bring together international students, the education sector and police to respond to the concerns of international students and their families.
“When there were a series of incidents involving Indian students in 2009, the then Labor Government took immediate action to reassure the international community and the O’Farrell Government should do the same.
“This meeting should also address the O’Farrell Government’s decision to cut the number of people providing security on our trains.
“We need to ensure that all commuters, including international students, can travel safely on our public transport system.”
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