Australia on Friday admitted that its image had been affected by a spate of attacks on Indians, some of which "had racial overtones" and promised to take effective corrective steps, including increase in jail term for racial crime.

John Brumby, Premier of Australia's Victoria province where most of the attacks have been taking place, met Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, assuring them that his Government was "doing everything" possible to ensure total safety of Indians living there.

During the meetings, Brumby was conveyed about India's concerns over recurring attacks and was asked to take all necessary steps to improve safety and security of Indians.

"Our image has really been affected by incidents of attacks on international students. But I would like to make it abundantly clear that we are doing all our best to protect our international students," Brumby told reporters.

Admitting that "a small number of cases had racial overtones", he said the Government has decided to increase the jail term of those found to be involved in racial attacks.

In his meeting with Brumby, Ravi requested the premier to provide India a summary of incidents against Indians that had taken place in Melbourne and the follow up actions by the Austrailian authorities. Brumby readily agreed to Ravi's request.

The premier also announced scholarships of 10,000 dollars (Australian) for Indian students under his Government's ambitious 'Thinking Global' initiative.

During the meeting with Ravi, both sides also discussed the possibility of having group housing and separate transportation facilities for international students.

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