Minns tells Indian community 'we've got your back' on first official visit

Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, made history during his first official visit to India by addressing the local Indian community directly, stating, “We’ve got your back.” The visit took place earlier this week, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue around immigration policy and the role of migrant communities in Australia’s social and economic fabric. Minns visited a community center run by the Asha society in Delhi, where he met with young people who had overcome extreme hardship to pursue higher education in Australia. Among them was 22-year-old Madhu, who grew up in a one-room home in a south Delhi slum without access to basic facilities such as a private kitchen or toilet. Despite these challenges, Madhu was accepted into the University of Sydney to study public health, supported by the Asha organization, which provides educational and health opportunities to underprivileged children in the region. She expressed hope that her education would transform not just her life, but also the lives of her family and community. The premier described the visit as “humbling,” emphasizing the resilience and dignity of the individuals he met. He noted that while debates over immigration continue, particularly following remarks by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson calling for a “monoculture” and questioning the value of multiculturalism, the Indian community’s contributions to New South Wales remain undeniable. Minns sought to reinforce the importance of maintaining a welcoming environment for international students, stressing that education is a key driver of economic growth in the state. During the visit, Minns participated in a game of street cricket with the children, underscoring the personal connections formed through cultural exchange. He also addressed concerns that recent discussions about student visas might impact Australia’s reputation as a global education hub. “Education is the second-largest export industry in New South Wales,” he said, highlighting the economic significance of international students and urging policymakers to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. In addition to meeting with community members, Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey officially launched a new campus for Western Sydney University in Uttar Pradesh, set to open in February next year. The campus will specialize in agricultural technology, sustainability, and business administration, aiming to provide high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds. The university’s vice-chancellor, George Williams, emphasized the institution’s commitment to admitting students based on merit, regardless of origin. However, the expansion faces potential hurdles due to anticipated changes to Australia’s immigration policies. Recent data shows that the number of student visas issued rose from 383,910 in 2017 to 528,999 this year, reflecting a growing reliance on international students. Yet, political pressure is mounting, with One Nation advocating for reduced student visa numbers and the federal government exploring adjustments to immigration quotas. Professor Williams warned that such reductions could negatively impact sectors reliant on overseas labor, including healthcare and aged care, where many workers are employed by international students. As the debate over immigration continues, the visit underscores both the promise and the complexity of cross-border educational and cultural exchanges. With new initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between New South Wales and India, the coming months will likely see further developments in how Australia balances its openness to international students with broader immigration reforms.