Rudd assures foreigners it is safe to study in Australia

July 10 2009 by Mark Johnstone

Kevin Rudd on Australian immigration

Following the news that violence has occurred against Indian students studying in Australia, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has stated that it is a safe place for student Australian visa holders.

Rudd says that the government of Australia and the Australian immigration authorities takes the safety of foreign students “very seriously” explaining that, “in every city in the world, unfortunately, there are going to be acts of violence from time to time.” However, Rudd did not play down the violence adding, “one act of violence is one too many; one death is one too many.”

Rudd was speaking during a visit to Malaysia on his way to Europe on Monday. His reassuring statements were particularly appreciated in the country as 20,000 Malaysian students are currently living in Australia on Australian student visas.

Rudd also took the opportunity to talk about how important immigration is to Australia, stating that the country is “a nation of immigrants.” The Prime Minister said that thanks to Malaysian immigrants Australia now has “some decent food.” He added, “We are multi-cultural and we are proud over it. We are not a perfect society but we are completely comfortable with our future in the region.”

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