Despite Australia ranking as one of the safest and most economically dynamic countries in the world, issues involving intercultural communication, social inclusiveness and student safety continue to stir up popular debate.

In response to such challenges the Director of CQUniversity's Sydney International Campus, Susan Loomes, and the Chairperson of the Education Chapter of the Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) NSW, Dr Rohitas Batta, are working together to ensure international student issues are addressed.

Dr Rohitas Batta and Sydney Campus Director Susan Loomes

Susan Loomes now sits on the Education Chapter of the AIBC.

The goal of AIBC's Chapter is to enhance mutual cooperation, provide a forum to discuss related issues and foster the active involvement of AIBC with various authorities including universities; the NSW Department of Education, Federal Education bodies, State Chambers of Commerce, the Department of State and Regional Development, IDP Education and Australian and Indian High Commissions and Consulates.

Dr Batta presides over the AIBC Education Chapter in NSW, which accounts for almost 50 per cent of AIBC's total membership. He has had a long and distinguished career working to build stronger bridges between international education providers, government officials and representatives and community groups...  

Dr Batta is a Governing Council member and Chair of the Students and Community Committee of the United Indian Associations, an umbrella organisation of 26 associations. He has worked as a scientist, consultant and educator in India and Australia for more than 25 years.

One of the aims of the Education Chapter, he says, is to "develop a strategy for cooperation among AIBC members, the education industry and the governments of Australia and India."

He accompanied the NSW premier on an official visit to India and had the opportunity to raise key issues of India-Australia relations with the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Education Minister, the Hon. Ms Julia Gillard, during a community Cabinet meeting in Penrith.

For her part, Susan Loomes heads the Sydney Campus of CQUniversity - a leading provider of education to international students for the past 13 years.

"CQUniversity has implemented a range of student activities and services to promote improved social integration for international students on and off campus and is committed to providing students with the support required to ensure that they excel in their studies," she says.