| Protests indication that strategy urgently needed |
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The Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) will propose to work with the Federal Government to develop and implement without delay a nationally-consistent strategy to halt the rise of crimes against international students. The rally in Central Melbourne on Sunday is evident that some international students can no longer tolerate feelings of victimisation. “Governments cannot afford to delay a resolution to the problems international students are facing. Students getting hurt is a reality and careful planning is now more than ever required to prevent this from reoccurring,” said AFIS National Chairperson Wai Ken Wong. “Despite this, AFIS is disappointed that the rally had taken a turn towards violence. This was uncalled for and AFIS denounces the group of international students involved in causing damage to public and private property. “International students come to Australia seeking a quality education experience. Regardless of the hardship we face, we must maintain our legal obligations and abide by the rules of our host. Redress can be sought through lawful avenues,” he added. AFIS has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its free assistance and student support services over the past month, hinting that the issues and challenges faced by international students are all but easing. AFIS believes that poor safety is the result of a multi-dimensional complex of issues, including a lack of affordable accommodation, meagre employment conditions and the denial of access to public transport concession. AFIS contends that a cohesive policy framework that forms the bedrock of a nationally-consistent strategy addressing these issues is critical to preventing the current situation from further escalating into a crisis. Media contact: |
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