varunsethi3:
I don't think the recession has anything to do with (in any case Australia is not in recession, we just posted a 0.4% growth period for the last quarter, not that I place too much faith in 1 set of statistics).
Also, mainly the attacks have come not from 'white' Australians but from Asian, Middle Eastern, Aboriginal and Pacific Islanders. I doubt the Indian media has pointed this out, please correct me if I'm wrong there. I hate to say it but most violent street crime in Sydney and Melbourne doesn't come from whites. Unfortunately that is the reality.
The other issue probably not covered in the media, is where the attacks have occurred. All big cities have areas that are safe, and not so safe. Students without the aid of parents and/or extended family tend to live in low cost areas that aren't particularly safe at the best of times. That's the way it is. I'm one of them.
Compared to the countries with similarly large multi-ethnic communities such as the USA, UK and France, Australia is a beacon of piece and serenity. There seems to exists a certain amount of 'anti-Australianism' by some in the Indian community which I guess is the result of poor relations between our cricket teams. I can't see what else is the cause?? On that score I think both parties should be disappointed in the way they have conducted themselves.
vssree994 has it spot on.