INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SAFETY IN PORTER’S SIGHTS

Today, Mary Porter AM MLA, Member for Ginninderra, launched Think Before – A Student Safety Initiative in the ACT.

“Think Before – A Student Safety Initiative is a social media-driven campaign designed to improve situational awareness among international students in Australia,” said Ms Porter.

“Many of the 650,000 overseas students in Australia are not accustomed to the danger signs in our urbanised society and some have been placing themselves in high risk situations.

“Students have so many things to consider when they arrive in a foreign country, so putting this information into a package that is easy to understand is a great concept.”

The Think Before social media strategy engages bloggers, website forum publishers and users, social media, public video sites, Twitter and social bookmarking sites to help spread the word. More than 50 country/language-specific social media platforms that are popular among international students have been targeted.

“This is the first time that social media has been used to communicate these issues and the first time that social media has been used as a tool for police to communicate with the public,” said Ms Porter.

“To use advanced, accessible media to communicate safety information, right from the moment international students step off the tarmac, is exceptionally important.

“This group should be commended on their lateral thinking, and determination to provide a valuable community service,” Ms Porter said.

“There are sound economic and social reasons for us to work hard to ensure that international students enjoy a wonderful experience here, and form enduring ties with locals.

“I wonder how many people know that almost 70% of Malaysian parliamentarians attended Australian universities?” Ms Porter asked.

“The true value of this project is that it will enhance the life experiences that are enduring, and build equity for Australia’s future; we need to preserve the large numbers of students who benefit from positive experiences in Australian universities.”

Further information about Think Before – A Student Safety Initiative can be found on: www.thinkbefore.com .

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au