One in 10 Australians racist, says study

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 30.09.2008 (IANS): Racism is waning but it still exists in Australia, one of the most multicultural countries in the world, say researchers.

In 2007-08, just under 200,000 people migrated to Australia, accounting for 59 percent of the increase in the country’s population of about 21 million.

It all went to make the country even more multicultural. The Australian social fabric is now a rich tapestry of migrants from nearly 200 countries.

Still, one in 10 Australians believe that some races are superior to others. “One in 10 is a lot. It means one person in every lunch room, one person in every locker room, five or 10 people on a train.

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Indian women, down under and tortured

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 25.09.2008 (WFS): Pyali Shah, 40, had met her husband on the internet. Both hailed from Karnataka and had been previously married. It seemed a perfect match until she arrived on the shores of Australia and witnessed relentless mental and physical abuse.

“My husband, a widower with two children, just wanted a baby-sitter. He would lock me up and beat me. There was no money as I faced constant threat of being thrown out or sent back to India. He would surf the Internet for other women and compelled me to have an abortion”, says Pyali, a psychologist by profession, whose abuse was detected at the hospital when she went for the abortion. She was sent to a refuge and provided counselling and support.

The scourge of mental, physical and sexual violence in the sanctity of one’s own home started as a trickle, but has become a flood in recent years with more Indian immigrants coming to Australia.

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Sun, sand and shopping – Sydney lures the Indian tourist

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Centennial Park, Sydney. Photo Credit: © Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 15.09.2008 (IANS): As other international tourists give Australia a miss, Indian tourists are being lured to this harbour city of blue skies and scenic beaches with travel packages tailored specifically for the Indian market.

A high-level trade mission from the state of New South Wales (NSW) is in India this week to tap into the increasing number of Indians looking for overseas holidays.

Sydney has become one of the favourite destinations for Indian travellers, be it families, backpackers, honeymooners or business travellers. Indian holidaymakers find Sydney one of the cleanest, most user-friendly cities with some of the finest restaurants and beautiful vistas.

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