India-Australia News and Discussion

SSridhar · Post by **SSridhar** » 09 Mar 2011 07:55

India, Australia have similar perspectives; Aussie High Commissioner

The dialogue between India and Australia on broader political and geostrategic issues, which saw a significant growth in the last five years, would intensify in the next decade, Peter N. Varghese, Australia's High Commissioner, said on Monday.

Referring to the convergence of the positions of India and Australia in several areas, Mr. Varghese said, “Again, this is a story of increasing convergence. The reality is that India and Australia increasingly see Asian strategic environment broadly from a similar perspective.”

He was participating in a discussion on the relationship between the two countries organised by the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce to mark the 21st annual day of the Chamber.

He said both nations were making efforts to shape regional institutions that could help manage an ongoing huge transition, even as the centre of gravity of economic production was shifting from the West to the East. Both were keen on putting together those institutions “that are outward looking and inclusive” and that would help maintain a stable balance of power in favour of open and liberal democracies.

Stating that the two countries had “very compatible interests” on the Indian Ocean, the High Commissioner said they would work more closely together.

Responding to questions raised by the audience, he replied that in issues concerning international trade and environment, the two countries were, historically, “not on the same page.” But, this was beginning to change, he said, explaining how the two countries were working together on a host of issues including climate change and re-energising the Doha round of talks.

The next 10 years would be a period of growth, expansion and broadening out of the relationship between the two countries, he added.

Klaus · Post by **Klaus** » 09 Mar 2011 12:20

White-Australia advocate Pauline Hanson to make a bid for NSW Upper House seat. She is taking a strong anti-Muslim stance as seen in this article, in which she states that Muslims need to assimilate into Australian society.

In unrelated news, another one of my strata management friends told me that the formation of Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory were 'accidents'. The intention was always to have Melbourne as the nation's capital and Sydney as the financial capital. Fed government buildings came up in Canberra due to mis-communication and misinterpretation at several levels. Just goes on to prove that the Anglo-Saxons do not desire to develop/urbanize the country and seek to have maximum rural real estate to themselves. Pretty strange for a OECD country!

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 09 Mar 2011 13:12

The choice of canberra was a compromise between sydney-propaganists and melbourne-propaganists, which were the two major dominators around Federation times (1890s to 1900s). If you look at the 1890s population level, only Victoria and NSW had enough mass to have a huge say in this matter. There was a clause in the Federation process that forced the capital to be closer to Sydney than to Melbourne by a certain degree, which was exploited by Sydney to the limit. The planning of Canberra was done rather meticulously, it was not a capital that emerged like a phoenix, but it did emerge from some hinterland area that was normal Australia at that time. Melbourne did serve as a temporary capital for a short while, the then seat of the government is the place where PMs stay when they visit Melbourne on an official tour (some rather famous hotel that I forget the name of).

The only thing accidental about the whole thing was the extent to which the Federation could be sewed, which is why Australia day is still a major issue to rally about. NZ was expected to be a part of the Federation till tax issues (what else?) forced NZ to break away from consensus that had emerged. While the Federation was sewed, an identity could not be sewed till WWI came around. There is a big deal of identity based bwahaha centered around the spanking at Gallipoli and later the Anzac expedition. I dont know how much the blue collar crowd remembers all this, but take any white collared native with some education, and they will yakkitak about all this to some measure.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 09 Mar 2011 14:39

I am quite surprised to see there is no proper policy in place to see number of immigrants settling in this country against infrastructure. Last decade (2001-2010) saw major influx of immigrants largely from Asia first studying and then applying for permanent residency to settle down. Around 2001-2002 anyone could study in Australia for a year or so and then straightaway apply for residency. Then there was time when immigration policy was tightened and immigrants were required to sit IELTS again and score 6 band in each module. Then again they tightened the nose by requiring to give IELTS and scoring atleast 7 bands in each module. In between there was a immigration policy that if anyone invested $100,000 (i.e. approx 36 lacs at that time..now 45 lacs) in fed. govt treasury they could get remaining 5 points to get PR. After all this dramas then immigration came up with a policy that would foster regional development. Aspirants could study and work in remote places like Griffith and other small towns with limited employment and gain state PR.

From infrastructure point of view there has been no major expansion or upgrade of suburban train network. CBD stations central, townhall and wynyard are in same vintage era state as they have been for many years. Labour has set up NBNCo, a company to overlook laying of fiber optic cables and providing fast internet to users in far flung remote areas at a cost of $36 billion. Though there has been lot of criticism from opposition for spending so much on fiber optic when states like QLD are struggling with recovery from flood and cyclone Yasi. Only coming years will tell how much benefit Oz's can get from spending such huge chunk on broadband. Most of the income is generated by mining industry by exporting iron ore, coal and other minerals. Education industry used to flourish but tightened immigration laws and attacks on stuents has seen major loss of income in billions directly and indirectly. There is hardly any manufacturing of any serious stuff in this part of the world.

vina · Post by **vina** » 09 Mar 2011 16:04

Most of the income is generated by mining industry by exporting iron ore, coal and other minerals. Education industry used to flourish but tightened immigration laws and attacks on stuents has seen major loss of income in billions directly and indirectly. There is hardly any manufacturing of any serious stuff in this part of the world

Economically , Australia is a White Saudi Arabia! The only difference perhaps is wimmins in Bikinis vs wimmins in Burkhas

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 10 Mar 2011 05:41

Australia hopes to begin talks on FTA with India
http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/10/stories ... 811300.htm

At present, Australia has entered into FTAs with Singapore, Thailand, the United States and New Zealand besides the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is holding negotiations with Japan, China and Indonesia.

Chinmayanand · Post by **Chinmayanand** » 14 Mar 2011 15:34

Indian student's murder in Australia unfortunate: Krishna

External affairs minister S M Krishna on Monday described the rape and murder of a 24-year-old Indian girl in Australia as "unfortunate" and said the government is closely following the investigation.

What is unfortunate is to see this sorry a$$ heading MEA.

putnanja · Post by **putnanja** » 14 Mar 2011 22:22

Chinmayanand wrote:Indian student's murder in Australia unfortunate: Krishna

External affairs minister S M Krishna on Monday described the rape and murder of a 24-year-old Indian girl in Australia as "unfortunate" and said the government is closely following the investigation.
What is unfortunate is to see this sorry a$$ heading MEA.

Can you please tell what the MEA could have done here? There is not much information on whether this was a racially motivated case, unlike the earlier attacks on Indians. Let us wait for the investigation to be over. The way the girl was killed and packed in a suitcase, OTOH, it doesn't appear to be a racially motivated error. Looks more like the killer was someone the victim knew.

While I am all for showing the white pakis their place, on this case, we need to wait and watch

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 15 Mar 2011 03:52

putnanja wrote:
Can you please tell what the MEA could have done here? There is not much information on whether this was a racially motivated case, unlike the earlier attacks on Indians. Let us wait for the investigation to be over. The way the girl was killed and packed in a suitcase, OTOH, it doesn't appear to be a racially motivated error. Looks more like the killer was someone the victim knew.

While I am all for showing the white pakis their place, on this case, we need to wait and watch

it is their burden to prove it is a only a crime but not racially motivated due to the recent history.
Till then it is racially motivated.
IMO the MEA should have mentioned the recent history of targetted Indian killings in the media, made some noises to make an impact.The media would have done their work. It was a pathetic performance by the GOI/MEA.

(Not at you putnanja)

arnab · Post by **arnab** » 15 Mar 2011 04:01

krisna wrote:it is their burden to prove it is a only a crime but not racially motivated due to the recent history.
Till then it is racially motivated.
IMO the MEA should have mentioned the recent history of targetted Indian killings in the media, made some noises to make an impact.The media would have done their work. It was a pathetic performance by the GOI/MEA.

(Not at you putnanja)

Sigh. The reason MEA didn't mention any 'recent history' is because the person arrested for her rape and murder is of Sri Lankan heritage, so the 'recent history' is not relevant. So, yes it could be racially motivated but not in the way you were hoping.

vish_mulay · Post by **vish_mulay** » 15 Mar 2011 04:14

The attacker is of Sri Lankan heritage and it does not appear to be racially motivated. Having said so i personally feel that law order in Australia need major revamp. It is too lax and has no fear factor for miscreants. I will not be surprised if judiciary gives this guy may be 10-12 years prison and he will be out in 5 to 6 years with good behavior. Sheesh i feel sorry for the young students family. RIP.

putnanja · Post by **putnanja** » 15 Mar 2011 04:30

Light sentences seems to be the norm in UK and Australia, compared to US.

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 15 Mar 2011 04:32

arnab wrote:
krisna wrote:it is their burden to prove it is a only a crime but not racially motivated due to the recent history.
Till then it is racially motivated.
IMO the MEA should have mentioned the recent history of targetted Indian killings in the media, made some noises to make an impact.The media would have done their work. It was a pathetic performance by the GOI/MEA.

(Not at you putnanja)
Sigh. The reason MEA didn't mention any 'recent history' is because the person arrested for her rape and murder is of Sri Lankan heritage, so the 'recent history' is not relevant. .

MEA could have made mentioned that Indians are killed in australia. This is a fact, does not matter the origin of the attacker. The victims were and now is an Indian. Sure is a pathetic performance by MEA.

So, yes it could be racially motivated but not in the way you were hoping

My view or your view on this has no bearing on what a MEA should do. They have speak for Indians strongly.period.

saip · Post by **saip** » 15 Mar 2011 04:35

And probably no capital punishment either. Not that it makes a difference especially in this type of crimes.

Anyway I am planning on going to Aus/NZ for couple of weeks.

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 15 Mar 2011 04:38

Daniel stein reginald foto

srilankan tamil per some web news but not widespread dissemination of news.

arnab · Post by **arnab** » 15 Mar 2011 04:46

krisna wrote:MEA could have made mentioned that Indians are killed in australia. This is a fact, does not matter the origin of the attacker. The victims were and now is an Indian. Sure is a pathetic performance by MEA.

My view or your view on this has no bearing on what a MEA should do. They have speak for Indians strongly.period.

Sir, Indians are probably killed in Timbuktoo as well. Sometimes they die in accidents, sometimes of natural causes and sometimes they are killed by other indians, other asians, latinos, blacks and whites. Unfortunate though these may be, MEA does not need to carry a chip on its shoulders and 'speak out for Indians' specially when there is no cause to.

The job of MEA is to manage external affairs in the interest of India and not throw a jingoistic hissy fit. We have the forum for that purpose.

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 15 Mar 2011 05:29

arnab wrote:
krisna wrote:MEA could have made mentioned that Indians are killed in australia. This is a fact, does not matter the origin of the attacker. The victims were and now is an Indian. Sure is a pathetic performance by MEA.

My view or your view on this has no bearing on what a MEA should do. They have speak for Indians strongly.period.
Sir, Indians are probably killed in Timbuktoo as well. Sometimes they die in accidents, sometimes of natural causes and sometimes they are killed by other indians, other asians, latinos, blacks and whites. Unfortunate though these may be, MEA does not need to carry a chip on its shoulders and 'speak out for Indians' specially when there is no cause to.

The job of MEA is to manage external affairs in the interest of India and not throw a jingoistic hissy fit. We have the forum for that purpose.

cool down arnab, I dont want to get into this argument.
I have my view and you have yours.
TIA.

vish_mulay · Post by **vish_mulay** » 16 Mar 2011 06:36

http://www.smh.com.au/wa-news/modelling ... 3#comments

An Indian-Australian model told by a national modelling agency that her work chances were "limited" because she was not Caucasian, is speaking out against the company in a bid to stop the discrimination continuing.

check the survey and comments. Needless to say white pakis dont have enough grey matter to understand what is racist. Sheesh my biggest mistake was to listen to SHQ and move to this rat hole. Counting days, 634 days more and i am out of this white pakistan.

PS check the mahatorama she is a looker!

biswas · Post by **biswas** » 16 Mar 2011 14:35

^ I applied to become a Playmate at the Playboy mansion.

Apparently I wasn't female enough. Sexist ********.

This is not racism, the agencies clients wants Caucasian models, she's Indian and therefore unlikely to get a position.

vish_mulay · Post by **vish_mulay** » 17 Mar 2011 05:50

Ajatshatruji beauty is in the eyes of beholder but being true blue SRED i prefer Indic women and do think she has the best of Indic features including full figure unlike androgenic size 0 models (gay fashion editors think women who look like gay men must be hit with straight men, sorry straight men love curves, its in our genes). Nothing beats Indic chic who is independent in bed and i dare say it since GHQ before SHQ was a Latina (Colombian) with flare.

Biswas its not about demand and supply. Nor it is a beauty or features issue. The agency said she fits their bill for beauty but can not represent her since she is not anglican. At best only agency is racist at worst the whole society is rabid racist. I have been outside Sydney metropolitan area to experience first hand how people of color are treated. SHQ is worried that someday i will be stabbed or shot at since i dont take racial slurs thrown at me lightly. Dont know about you but I have never been in any country where people are so ignorant about racism, proper behavior, mannerism and pretend its just normal. being boorish is consider as true Aussie. I have never felt fear for my life but in Sydney i make sure i cover my back. Realization of problem is first step to correction but white pakis dont even get what is racist and what is not acceptable behavior hence no corrections and no future.

vish_mulay · Post by **vish_mulay** » 17 Mar 2011 06:35

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ ... 1bx94.html

here were two strands for the Labor conference to consider: whether Australia should develop a nuclear industry, and whether Labor should adjust its policy allowing uranium to be sold to India.

It's the first strand that's become too fraught. Selling uranium to India is problematic, but still an outside prospect. It will come down to the Prime Minister. If Julia Gillard wants to sell yellowcake to India, then key figures on the Right and the Left will marshal the numbers to support the executive.

But the spectre of post-disaster Japan will also complicate that debate. Opponents will say that if Fukushima can happen in a country such as Japan - a developed country with advanced technological capability and orderly governance - imagine what could happen in India. ( implicating poor SDREs dont have nuclear technology) The Prime Minister will need to want to have the fight, and whether she does - when she has so many other fights at present - is unlikely, but only time will tell.

Rational people don't want nuclear power for its own sake. Only carpetbaggers and boosters will tell you nuclear is a perfect technology. Events in Japan show us nuclear's downside. When it goes bad, it's not just bad, but potentially catastrophic.

Completely ignores that the reactors are 40 yrs old technology and extend of radiation is exaggerated by American media. Another boogie in making to make sure Uranium is not sold to India.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 17 Mar 2011 18:43

vish_mulay wrote:http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ ... 1bx94.html

Fine, but then stop exporting yellowcake to all countries including China!

sanjaykumar · Post by **sanjaykumar** » 18 Mar 2011 19:26

But the spectre of post-disaster Japan will also complicate that debate. Opponents will say that if Fukushima can happen in a country such as Japan - a developed country with advanced technological capability and orderly governance - imagine what could happen in India. ( implicating poor SDREs dont have nuclear technology) The Prime Minister will need to want to have the fight, and whether she does - when she has so many other fights at present - is unlikely, but only time will tell.

It takes Australian intellect to admire Japan for putting up nuclear plants on the planets most seismically active country, exposed to tsunamis.

Perhaps Australians need to learn how to harness the atom first before showing gratuitous concern for others' well being..

sanjaykumar · Post by **sanjaykumar** » 18 Mar 2011 19:37

They perhaps could direct their solicitations closer to home.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 45366.html

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 19 Mar 2011 10:03

How Australia came to existence. 3 part documentary frm SBS.

http://www.sbs.com.au/immigrationnation/

If you are interested in "White Australia" policy then must watch.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 19 Mar 2011 15:17

Tosha's Killer Must be Tried in India: Father

http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?715636

The accused arrested in connection with the murder of Tosha Thakkar in Australia should be tried in a court in India, her father Sunil Thakkar said today.

He said that there should be some kind of arrangement between Australia and India for extradition of persons charged with serious offences. Trial of such cases has to be held in the native country of the person killed.

Tosha (24) studying in Sydney for the last three years was killed on March 9 after being raped allegedly by her neighbour Daniel Stani-Reginald, a 19-year old of Sri Lankan origin who has been arrested by the Australian police.

"I raise this demand to ensure that severe punishment is meted out to the person arrested as my daughter was brutally assaulted and murdered in Sydney," Thakkar said after Tosha's mortal remains were consigned to flames here today.

However, if for any reason it is not possible, the Indian government should ensure that severe punishment is awarded to the person concerned, he demanded.

"My daughter was very simple and jovial who never did any harm to anybody. I fail to understand why she was killed," Thakkar said adding two days before her murder, she had talked to us. She sounded very happy and was looking forward to rejoin us in August after completing her course in accounting in Sydney.

Meanwhile, Tosha's mortal remains brought here last night were consigned to flames today.

Hundreds of people including MP Balkrishna Shukla, local MLA Bhupendra Lakhwala, former health minister Nalin Bhatt joined in the funeral procession.

Jeff Lira · Post by **Jeff Lira** » 19 Mar 2011 22:18

Chinmayanand wrote:Indian student's murder in Australia unfortunate: Krishna

External affairs minister S M Krishna on Monday described the rape and murder of a 24-year-old Indian girl in Australia as "unfortunate" and said the government is closely following the investigation.
What is unfortunate is to see this sorry a$$ heading MEA.

He couldnt do more than that, we cant send forces or break all relations with them, you don't know even here in India Austrlian, Russia, British, German women are raped sometimes, yes attack on Indians is on rise their in australia, and the solution is with us. If we stop going to australia for studies, it is believed they will experience a 60% loss in their education tourism industry (correct me with sources, I have just forgot where I read that). This is the way to make australian govt work on increasing law and order their.
Another attack on Indian in Australia; Raped, Murdered then Packed in Suitcase
The above article is the full story of how brutally she was raped & killed, the guy who did this is supposedly one of the two guys with whom she shared an apartment. also The Sydney Morning Herald said that she might not have been dead when she was packed in suitcase.

Rony · Post by **Rony** » 20 Mar 2011 18:20

Gaurav_S wrote:How Australia came to existence. 3 part documentary frm SBS.

http://www.sbs.com.au/immigrationnation/

If you are interested in "White Australia" policy then must watch.

Thanks for posting that video Gaurav. It is a must watch video for anyone who wants to understand the ideological roots of white pakis. The Fijian-Indian case which ultimately drove the nail into the coffin of white australia policy was interesting.

On a side note, that video from sbs is available only in selected regions.

For folks who are not able to view the videos from that link, here are the youtube links.

Immigration Nation Ep.1: White Australia Policy -Part 1/4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptxlehKaBE4

Immigration Nation Ep.2: World War II -Part 1/4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnHKKX6FUhk

Immigration Nation Ep.3: Cold War -Part 1/4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNpAKAADdwI

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 21 Mar 2011 06:02

^^SBS is good to watch. They have variety of good documentaries for every aspect of the society. Other media don't go this deep.

Klaus · Post by **Klaus** » 22 Mar 2011 07:10

Study confirms the presence of an anti-Muslim sentiment across Australia.

Link

sanjaykumar · Post by **sanjaykumar** » 22 Mar 2011 09:38

It noted that people keeping nature-based spiritual pagan traditions reported high levels of prejudice, discrimination and a lack of recognition of their beliefs.
"The research process also uncovered some prejudice and hostility toward gay people, and also significant concern was expressed regarding employing gay people, particularly in faith-based schools," it said.
The report noted that the religious character of Australia was a contentious issue, with some suggesting Australia was a Christian nation, others arguing it was a secular country and others suggesting it was a multifaith state.
According to the latest national census of 2006, Christians make up 63.9 percent of the Australian population, followed by Buddhists (2.1 percent), Muslims (1.7 percent), Hindus (0.7 percent) and Jews (0.4 percent).

JE Menon · Post by **JE Menon** » 22 Mar 2011 14:30

What about the remaining 30% approx?

Stan_Savljevic · Post by **Stan_Savljevic** » 22 Mar 2011 14:38

^^^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia#Religion

JE Menon · Post by **JE Menon** » 22 Mar 2011 16:51

Thanks Stan... For others, from wiki link:

>>About 19% of the population cited "No religion" (which includes humanism, atheism, agnosticism, and rationalism), which was the fastest-growing group from 2001 to 2006, and a further 12% did not answer (the question is optional) or did not give a response adequate for interpretation.

Klaus · Post by **Klaus** » 24 Mar 2011 13:29

People of Indian origin among those being investigated in a corruption scandal.

The allegation is that records were falsified in order to obtain long-term Australian visas.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 25 Mar 2011 15:02

^^Klaus looks like link is pointing to wrong url.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 25 Mar 2011 15:06

Probe hears of bribes for overseas migrant English IELTS exams

Link

UP to 25 immigrants could have paid bribes to have their English-language exams changed in order to be granted a visa or permanent residency, a West Australian corruption hearing has heard.
The state's Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) is investigating allegations a staff member at Curtin University was bribed to falsify results of English-language competency tests.

It is mandatory that applicants for permanent residency and work or students' visas pass the International English Testing System (IELTS) which is relied upon by the Department of Immigration.

In 2009 Abdul Kader, who migrated from India and is now an Australian citizen, was living in a sharehouse with an employee at the Curtin English Language Centre, Keith Low.

Mr Kader had been approached by his former petrol station workmate Pritesh Shah concerned about a friend, Vishnal Pandya, who was applying for permanent residency but was repeatedly failing the English language requirements.

Mr Pandya told the hearing earlier in the week he had failed the test several times both in India and Australia.

Mr Kader told the CCC hearing today that Mr Shah asked him whether he knew anyone who could help his friend to pass their exam to which he told him he knew Mr Low.

After Mr Low said he could help Mr Pandya and a cash payment was arranged.

Mr Kader said as "the middle man" in the operation he didn't really want to know how the falsification of test results was done.

"I did ask how he was doing it and he said he was changing the scores in the system and mentioned something about using different persons' log in ID to log into the computer," he said.

After the first bribe was paid, Mr Shah began arranging for the IELTS exam results of more of his friends to be falsified with Mr Kader becoming an intermediary.

Mr Kader, currently working as an accountant, collected the names, passport numbers, date of births and cash payments from those wanting their IELTS to be changed and gave them to Mr Low.

Applicants would normally pay $1500 with Mr Kader receiving a commission, usually what ever amount was paid in excess.

He said between 2009 and 2010 as many as 25 people paid bribes for their IELTS scores to be changed during which time Rajesh Kumar, an acquaintance of Mr Shah joined the operation.

"It grew as time went on, initially it started with like one, then one came in a few weeks later," Mr Kader said.

"When Rajesh (came in) the number grew higher because Rajesh had a fair few people applying for their permanent residency."

Mr Kader agreed with counsel assisting the CCC Peter Quinlan when he asked: "What happened occasionally became an operation where strangers were coming into the picture."

The CCC's investigation will also determine whether the Curtin English Language Centre had policies in place to detect misconduct and examine whether the IELTS had been compromised at testing centres operated by any other public authorities.

The week-long hearing continues.

There are many students who have tried IELTS numerous times but unable to score enough bands. Many students have come with so poor English that they can hardly score 5 bands in various modules. Current requirement is to score atleast 7 bands in each module to apply for PR. IMO there are more people out there who have paid bribe for tweaking IELTS results.

Klaus · Post by **Klaus** » 25 Mar 2011 17:29

Oops, sorry! Will be more careful next time

Link from the Outlook article.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 28 Mar 2011 07:41

IELTS software ridiculed

link

IELTS Australia, the company that runs English language testing here, was warned about its unreliable software but did nothing, a corruption watchdog has been told.

The West Australian Corruption and Crime Commission is investigating claims that overseas students paid up to $11,000 for false IELTS test results so they could qualify for permanent residency as skilled migrants.

Although the CCC inquiry focuses on Curtin University's IELTS testing centre, evidence at the public hearings that began on Monday raises questions that go far beyond Perth.

Cambridge University, an owner of the IELTS test and repository of all results, discovered discrepancies between raw scores and test reports from Curtin and alerted the centre in August last year.

The log-in of a Curtin employee had been used to enter false scores but exactly how the fraud was carried out and how it had gone undetected was not yet clear, the CCC was told on Monday.

Former manager of the Curtin centre Maxine Duncan told the hearing she had written an open letter to IELTS Australia last March expressing frustration with the global ESOLCOMMS software used to input scores and turn out test reports.

"From the outset it was pretty clear to me that ESOLCOMMS had been patched almost beyond repair," Ms Duncan said.

"The system itself was ridiculed by the IT staff because they had never seen software so out of date and so lacking in security.

"The ESOLCOMMS software would often crash two, three times in a day."

The CCC hearing was told that staff had to carry out a "double check" data entry with two separate staff entering each test score. But a score entered later removed all trace of an earlier entry, meaning there was no audit trail. And multiple test reports could be produced without the system showing earlier reports had been issued.

By late August, when she resigned, Ms Duncan said none of the promised improvements to the computer system had been made.

IELTS Australia's Elizabeth Kerrison told the hearing that better software would be rolled out across Australian test centres from May.

IELTS Australia declined to give details to the HES yesterday while the hearings continued.

No wonder why IELTS exam have become a joke these days. Cambridge should think of getting new software built by someone like Inforsys or TCS.

arun · Post by **arun** » 30 Mar 2011 07:20

American diplomatic cables leaked by Wikileaks and published by The Hindu shows that the Australian Government was dishonest in dealing with the issue of the assault of Indian Students with the racist element of the attacks being covered up:

Even as Australian Ministers, politicians and officials were taking the position in public that there was no racial motivation behind the spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia, chiefly in and around Melbourne in the State of Victoria, Australian diplomats were quietly acknowledging to their U.S. counterparts that it was indeed a likely factor. …………………

Read it all in The Hindu:

Australian diplomats saw attacks on students as racially driven