Swetha Selva Kumar

 Rees was a proactive do-gooder for the Indian community, echo Indian leaders in unison.

 The abrupt conclusion of former Premier Hon. Nathan Rees’ term of office has likewise saddened community leaders and disquieted student representatives.

 Raj Natarajan, Immediate Past President of United Indian Association (UIA) said, “ It is indeed unfortunate to see Mr. Rees go because, the Indian community in the last 14 months had developed a special working relationship with him.” Mr. Natarajan says the then Premier monitored the setting up of a special task force that would aid the prevention of malicious attacks and maiming of Indian students.

 Apart from the task force, Rees also enabled the establishment of various state government committees, community relations group as a means to stabilize and better the volatile situation. He was also working closely with the Indian Consulate, federal government and local community leaders to assure complete support of his administration in the peace making process.

 Stanley D’Cruz, President of Mangalorean Catholic Association of Sydney (MCAS) said, “The Premier would himself chair some of these committees on a regular basis and therefore, took personal interest in solving the issue.”

 Nathan Rees gained popularity of late for spearheading initiatives to tackle issues bearing on Indian students.

 Navjot Singh, President of All International Students Association (AISA) said “Mr. Rees has efficiently done much to ensure safety for international students particularly during the war-like situation in Harris Park.”

 Rees’ proactive endeavors and his spontaneous interest to efficiently resolve student issues became evident following the series of the racially motivated attacks on international students particularly Indians earlier this year.

 “If law and order was restored in Harris Park at the time, it was certainly due to his (Rees) timely action and intervention,” said Vish Viswanathan, President of Federation of Australian Indians (FAIA).

 Despite, the constant and broad media coverage surrounding the exploitation and uncouth offensive on Indian students, many from within the Indian community believe Rees’ administration and his competence to deal with the state of affairs was commendable and undisputed.

 “Apart from law & order, Mr. Rees also fully understood that there was a need for his government to address equally other serious issues like quality of training, travel concessions and accommodation,” said Mr.Viswanathan.

 The past Premier Rees, who is considered to be quite popular among his Australian peers is also, highly regarded by his Indian counterparts for endorsing and accepting Indian culture as a significant part of Australian society.

 “Mr. Rees was responsible for including the A.R.Rahman show as part of the Sydney Festival 2010 and for bringing Indian flavor into the fest for the very first time,” said Mr.Natarajan.

 Mr. D’Cruz said, “His (Rees) departure should not have profound effect as he has firmly established all the mechanisms to deal with this issue.”

 “As a community member, I sincerely hope that the NSW Government will continue to demonstrate leadership not only in addressing the student issues but also equally other relevant ongoing issues and needs of the Indian Seniors,” said Mr. Viswanathan.

Mr. Natarajan said though there are great expectations from the new and Australia’s first female Premier Kristina Keneally, it will be unfair to judge her with the same yardstick. Instead, one must strive to build new cordial and social relations with the current administration he said.