Another attack, Oz Dy PM says 'not racist'

As the fifth Indian is attacked in a month, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke to NDTV on the spate of alleged racial attacks against Indian students in Australia. She said the attacks are not racist and that her government is helping Indian students.

NDTV: What are the specific steps that your government is going to take to catch the attackers and prevent more attackers?

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard: I have made a statement in the Parliament on Tuesday to ensure that all Indian students are safe and to send the message that international students are welcome here. As a nation we condemn these cowardly attacks. The foreign minister has spoken to the premiere of Victoria about further action to assist Indian students. We want to make sure that we send the message that Indian students are welcome here, safe here and have a good experience here.

NDTV: These attacks have been happening for over a month. Why did it take the government so long to respond?

Julia Gillard: Certainly there has been an immediate response from the police, we are dealing with the situation of safety in public transport.

NDTV: Would you accept that these attacks are racist in nature?

Julia Gillard: The advise from our police is that these are not race attacks but due to safety problems in Victoria but for Indian students this is a serious matter so we are working with the Victorian government to ensure that.

NDTV: What would you say to Indian students who were planning to study in Australia, but aren't keen now after the attacks?

Julia Gillard: I understand that these limited incidents are of great concern to Indian students but Australia is an overwhelmingly safe country and many international students have had a great experience here.