Australia takes further action towards students' safety

New Delhi, July 9 (ANI): Continuing a series of initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of international students in Australia, the state government of Victoria has announced further action.

Free legal advice will be provided to Indian and other international students. Students will be able to access assistance from the Melbourne Western Suburbs Legal Service. Advice will be given on dealing with local police and registering complaints regarding employment and tenancy issues. The service will be staffed by lawyers with language skills in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil and Bahasa Melayu.

Police have expanded video surveillance systems in operation at Melbourne train stations, including installing five new cameras at the Sunshine Railway Station. The closed circuit television (CCTV) system provides police with a constant, live feed of the station, its surroundings and car parks, helping to disrupt crimes as they take place. The system also archives footage for evidentiary purposes.

Victoria Police's Operation Safe Stations is ongoing, and has resulted in 58 arrests across the state for offences including assault and offensive behaviour close to train stations. An additional 200 people have been arrested for drunkenness.

Australia is a welcoming, multicultural society and the Australian Government is committed to ensuring that people settling in Australia, have the support and assistance they require.

Over 97,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in Australian education institutions and the Australian Government is implementing a series of high-level initiatives to ensure the safety and security of international students in Australia. (ANI)