Page 3405 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 21 October 2014
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did so through relocating to Canberra to begin my studies in the Australian National University’s excellent Masters of AsiaPacific Studies and Masters of Diplomacy courses. I believe my studies not only match my areas of interest but also address many regions which will be of great importance to Australia in the coming years.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have been granted the educational opportunities that I have, and fear that if university fee deregulation goes ahead as intended, many Australians may not be given the same opportunity. I believe allowing greater access to tertiary education is an extremely important investment in Australia’s future.
We see many strong and well developed nations recognizing this investment potential and moving towards greater access to education, such as Germany’s recent move of removing tuition fees for tertiary education. Though this change may not be feasible for Australia at this time, I believe moving in the opposite direction would be a regrettable mistake.
Throughout my studies of the Middle East, it has become increasingly saddening to witness the hardships faced every day and fear in which many of the region’s citizens are forced to live their lives. A region which holds such a rich history and culture, has been torn apart by civil war and conflict in the wake of regime change, leading to power vacuums filled by extremist groups exploiting these regretful situations.
Many citizens from this region flee to escape the suppression and dangerous circumstances which they are subjected to, often choosing Australia as their safe haven. We must remember this at times when we feel threatened in Australia, by extremist groups such as ISIS, that many of these people have too fled the same threat.
It is far too common, and worrying that the Muslim community of Australia has at times been targeted as a response to threats made by an extremely small, extremist minority. It is extremely important that all Australians maintain solidarity and not be overcome by fear to let ignorance get the best of us. And that we work alongside Australia’s Muslim community, rather than ostracise them, to mutually and supportively to detect and combat any threat to the public safety.
I believe Australia’s multicultural nature and acceptance of all people to be a testament to the Australian people. This is why Australia is an extremely desirable destination for those who do not enjoy these freedoms in their native countries, often subjected to oppression or discrimination.
When these people make the very risky and dangerous journey in a desperate attempt to secure a safer and more prosperous future for themselves and their children, it is, in most cases a genuine life and death situation.
Understanding the many technicalities associated, with processing and receiving refugees, including financial and logistical constraints, I do believe more can be done
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