Lauding Indians in Victoria as a very hardworking section, Premier Daniel Andrews has said there will be more exciting announcements for the Indian community in the coming weeks.
Interacting with the Indian community media on 19 September, Andrews did not disclose what the announcements would be on but said, “You will see us making an investment and the Indian community will benefit.”
Apart from a range of grants to support Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities this year, the Andrews government has also this January secured land for a new community-developed aged care facility in Cranbourne East with the City of Casey. Casey has a large number of people of Indian cultural background aged 60 years and over.
With his eyes on the November polls, Andrews is eager to tap into the community and said, “We will be campaigning hard.”
The story of Indian migration and its strength comes from its diversity, he said. “And there is no other community that works harder than the Indian community.”
Minister for Trade and Treasurer Tim Pallas, who was present in the meeting, praised the Indian diaspora for being great contributors and “economic generator”. He thanked the community for their support and broader generosity during the pandemic especially in providing food at a time when people needed most.
Recent years have seen remarkable growth in the trading relationship between India and Australia and Andrews is keen on seeing ties with India getting stronger. “The bigger the diaspora grows, the stronger our relationship,” Andrews said, adding, “Which is why our office overseas is the biggest.”
Acknowledging the labour shortage and students still being stranded in India, he blamed the previous federal government for the backlog of cases. The education sector, he said, was a competitive market and “we are not taking this sector for granted”.
In the same vein, Pallas said Victoria needs students, nurses and skilled migrants. Pallas has this month launched Victoria’s International Education Recovery Plan 2025 outlining the Government’s vision for the sector, including initiatives that will build Victoria’s performance as a leader in education excellence and student experience.
Backed by almost $53 million in funding, the Plan highlights the worldwide opportunities and connections that Victoria’s international education sector offers.
Pallas hoped that re-establishing the international flights and direct transport connections into Melbourne would come into effect soon.
On his part, Andrews assured that Victoria will provide the most welcoming environment. “We are keen to have nurses, they might have to do some training – that’s our main agenda,” he said. “We want more permanent residents from India, we are the biggest employer… we will continue to run more campaigns on tourism.”
Andrews said he wants the word out on the 250$ gas bill that people can claim, the sick pay guarantee leave for casual workers and the free kinder for three- and four-years old for everybody starting next year.
Lastly on the question of representation, Andrews said, “We will have to see what the election brings. It is challenging. It takes time.”
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