The Indian community in Australia Thursday welcomed the country's first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard, describing her "true friend of
India," and said they looked forward to working with her on their concerns.
"Gillard's experience, commitment, intellect and capacity for hard work to bring about positive changes is legendary... Moreover, she is a true friend of India and the two countries will certainly continue to build on the solid
foundations of existing relationships for mutual benefit," Australia India Business Council vice chairman Ravi Bhatia said.
He said the Council welcomed Gillard, who took over as Premier from Kevin Rudd, as the new leader on behalf of the Indian diaspora in Australia.
"The smooth change of leadership in Australia within practically one hour is a tremendous symbol of maturity of Australian democracy and democratic institutions - something we should be very proud of," he added.
Ashvini Shekhar, Managing Director of Global pacific Nominees said Gillard's taking over was positive for Indian students in Victoria as she came from the western side of Melbourne where most of the attacks had taken place.
"The Indian community looks forward to working
together with Gillard, particularly in relation to the plight of the Indian student community who are going through a tumultuous time due to recent changes in the Federal Government's Immigration policy," Shekhar said.
The changes introduced in the Australian visa policy have pruned down the list of migration occupations in demand, leaving the future of many existing students in limbo.
Shekhar said this was an issue which had economic and humanitarian consequences for the individuals concerned and "we look forward to an open and progressive dialogue with Gillard in the near future."
"We hope that her connection to this issue through her electoral constituents will lead Ms Gillard to take strong positive steps in improving the conditions of Indian students already in Australia," he said.
President of Federation of Indian Association of Victoria (FIAV) Vasan Srinivasan said the community shared and supported her vision of a unified, prosperous country.
He dubbed her election as Prime Minister as 'historic' and refered India's example of appointing a woman to the country's top job.
"Nevertheless her commitment to Australia as a
multicultural country is without question and we the (Indian community) look forward to working with her and her government in dealing with the issues concerning our community and country," he said.
Congratulating Gillard, Sydney-based
Cardiologist Yadu Singh said he hoped she, along with the Immigration Minister, would bring fairness on issues concerning foreign students,
including the recent visa capping bill.
He also said the Labour party should reverse its policy on uranium sale to India.
"I would like her and ALP to change its policy in this regard and sell uranium to India. I also hope that she works actively on India-Australia relations as there are many commonalities with two countries," he said.
Federation of Indian Student Assocaition spokesperson Gautam Gupta also expressed happiness over the news and said it was now an opportunity for the Prime Minister to recreate the strong links with Asian neighbours that are required for a prosperous future.
"On behalf of all Australians of Indian descent, I congratulate her on being elected to the highest office," Gupta said while asking her to have a continued dialogue for a better and more inclusive society.
He said Gillard's assuming the new office was a great source of encouragement to people throughout the world who believe in democracy, freedom and equality of opportunities.