Now, Sydney & Melbourne fight for Indian students

Melbourne, Feb 12: After New Zealand tried to woo Indian students after a slew of alleged racist attacks on students marred Australia's image as a safe destination for education, a similar campaign has been launched by Sydney against Melbourne leading to an all out war of states.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, who pointed out the difference between the two cities, tried to ride home the idea that state of New South Wales (NSW) was a safer study destination for Indian students.

Sydney, which is the largest Australian city is trying to gain from the 'racist' misfortunes of Melbourne, from where majority of the attacks on Indians were reported.

Keneally has reportedly revealed that a minister would be sent to India to tell education representatives students would be helped into safe accommodation in NSW.

“The difference between Sydney and Melbourne may be lost in the overseas market. We want to send a message NSW is a welcoming place for international students," Ms. Keneally is quoted as saying in a Herald Sun report.

This move from NSW saw a retaliation from the Victorian government.

Lashing out at Ms Keneally, Victorian Premier John Brumby accused her of trying to sully the image of Victoria while her State was much less safe than Victoria.

"We are the safest State in Australia, full stop," Mr Brumby said on Thursday, Feb 11.

OneIndia News