Council of International Students Australia (CISA)

PO Box 24134, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia

Web: www.cisa.edu.au




_________________________________________________________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 7th August 2013

International Student Safety Concern Will Again Damage
Australias Largest Services Export


The international student community has once again expressed anger following the reported
attack on a Japanese student in Perth on Sunday night. The victim was treated in hospital for
facial injuries after he was robbed and violently assaulted by a man and woman in Bentley,
Western Australia.
This is not something new. Over the last 4 years, incidents have been reported across
Australia, including Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Gold Coast and now in Perth, says
Council of International Students Australia (CISA) National President Thomson Chng.
Positive student experience is key to promoting Australia as a destination for international
education. CISA is concerned that international student are still falling victim to violent attacks
across the country.
International students will continue to live in fear throughout their stay in Australia, and their
family and friends back home will continue to feel anxious about their safety day. This will no
doubt, affect the confidence of many prospective international students towards Australia in
offering a safe place and a great environment to study and live in, claimed Mr. Chng.
Safety has always been a concern, and will continue to be if this continues. This is a national
issue that needs to be addressed at all levels. Otherwise, it will pose a serious risk to the
future of the Australian International Education Industry, the economy and its multicultural
society, says Mr. Chng.
Since its inauguration 3 years ago in response to the need of a unified voice for international
students in Australia, CISA has been actively promoting the needs and interests of
international students, recent initiatives launched during the recent CISA National Conference
2013 including:

Council of International Students Australia (CISA)
PO Box 24134, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Web: www.cisa.edu.au



1. The launch of the CISA Good Practice program for Education Providers
2. A new video advocacy campaign entitled I am not Australian, but I have an Australian
Story

Mr Chng says "Each of these initiatives aims to build awareness of international students
within the Australian society. It highlights the importance of engagement between
international students and the local community as one of the ways to address safety issues
more effectively."


Media Contacts:

Thomson Chng
National President, Council of International Students Australia
pres@cisa.edu.au
0425 235 288

Kylee Hartman-Warren
National Public Relations Officer, Council of International Students Australia
publicrelations@cisa.edu.au
0450 011 530