Richard Wong

COMMENT Condemned for years as a 'cruel communist state', it is now hated by the West for embracing capitalism and becoming 'too competitive'.

In recent months there has been much news about a spate of brutal attacks on Indian overseas students. These have especially occurred in Melbourne, although there have been cases in other cities. Many of the attacks have been vicious.

The factor that provides hope amidst the tragedy in Victoria is the spirit of support and co-operation that has come out amongst the whole community.

With economic turbulence anticipated to intensify worldwide this year and next, the issue is one of identifying the right strategies to ride this out.

The election of the new Rudd government has aroused expectations of hope and for change amongst many sections of the community.

The coming elections pose a great challenge to all political parties about how they can manage Australia to move forward with depth and dignity.