Even as India conveyed its growing concern to Australia over recurring attacks on Indians there and asked the country to take all necessary steps to improve safety and security of its citizens,Australia on Friday admitted that its image had been affected by the spate of attacks on Indians. John Brumby,Premier of Australias Victoria province where most of the attacks have been taking place,met Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal,Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit,assuring them that his government was doing everything possible to ensure total safety of Indians living there. Our image has really been affected by incidents of attacks on international students. But I would like to make it abundantly clear that we are doing all our best to protect our international students, Brumby said,admitting that a small number of cases had racial overtones. He said the government has decided to increase the jail term of those found to be involved in racial attacks. In meetings,Ravi requested Brumby to provide India a summary of incidents against Indians that had taken place in Melbourne and the follow up actions by the Australian authorities. Brumby readily agreed to Ravis request.
