The Australian government says that racism is not behind the violence. The comments come despite claims from sections of India’s media that race has, in fact, played a part.

Indian protesters sprawled over Melbourne streets last Sunday in an effort to highlight what they say is violent racial attacks on students.

Australia’s trade minister says that’s not the case.

[Simon Crean, Trade Minister]:
"There's no allegation, no substantial allegation that these are racially motivated."

The trade minister also said the Indian government agreed with him.

[Simon Crean, Trade Minister]:
"The prime minister has spoken to his counterpart, the foreign minister, to his, and yesterday, I spoke to my counterpart who's just been sworn in. At no stage have they alleged racism as a motivation."

Australia’s Foreign Minister announced on Tuesday the 2nd, that a new task force will be created to deal with the problem.

The Indian government was appreciative of Australia's efforts to address the situation.

[Simon Crean, Trade Minister]:
"They all are aware of the very conscious efforts that the Australian governments are taking to address this problem, and are deeply appreciative of it. They know we are sincere."

Despite assurance from the Australian government, another incident occurred on Tuesday the 2nd. A 21-year-old Indian student was attacked by a group of five males in suburban Melbourne who demanded cigarettes and money.

Although the Indian student was slashed across the chest with a box-cutter knife he escaped with only minor injuries.