# Australian minister rejects racist protests, backs Indian students 2026-08-06T21:41:04+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Australia’s Assistant Minister Julian Hill has dismissed anti-immigration protests that singled out Indians, saying racists are a small minority and do not represent most Australians. Speaking to The Hindu in Vijayawada, Hill said surveys show Australians value the country’s multicultural character. He also described Australia as safe and welcoming for genuine Indian students and professionals. Hill said Australia had changed immigration settings after net overseas migration rose sharply following the reopening of borders after COVID-19. The government aims to reduce net overseas migration, he said, while continuing to admit visitors, students and others who meet visa requirements. Hill was in Vijayawada for an Andhra Pradesh-Australia MoU covering clean energy, advanced manufacturing, education, student mental health and skills. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Australia, Immigration, Indian students, racism Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/australian-minister-rejects-racist-protests-backs-indian-students/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/australian-minister-rejects-racist-protests-backs-indian-students/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.