Melbourne, October 30 : Australian teenage cricketer Ben Austin, aged 17, tragically passed away after being struck on the neck during a practice session, evoking painful memories of the 2014 incident that claimed the life of cricketer Phillip Hughes.

As per agency report, Austin was practicing at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne when a ball struck him on the neck and head during a net session ahead of a T20 match. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and placed on a ventilator, but despite medical efforts, he could not be saved. The Ferntree Gully Cricket Club confirmed his death on Thursday, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to his family, friends, and teammates.

According to reports, Austin was wearing a helmet at the time but not a neck guard. The incident has reignited calls for stricter use of protective gear at all levels of the sport.

Cricket Victoria released a statement on behalf of Ben’s father, Jess Austin, expressing the family’s grief. The statement said Ben was a beloved son to his parents, Tracey and Jess, and a cherished brother to Cooper and Josh. The family described him as the light of their lives, adding that his passion for cricket made him happiest.

The family also expressed sympathy for the bowler involved in the accident, acknowledging that the tragedy had affected two young lives and extending support to him and his family.

The incident has drawn parallels to the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who passed away in November 2014 after being struck by a bouncer near the ear during a first-class match in Sydney.

Brisbane, December 16 – Former England cricketer and commentator Esha Guha issued an apology on Monday for her controversial remark referring to Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah as a "primate" during the third Test between India and Australia. Guha expressed "deep regret" over her choice of words, which sparked backlash on social media.

The Incident

The comment came during the second day of the Test when Guha, while responding to fellow commentator Brett Lee's praise of Bumrah's performance, said on Fox Cricket:

"Well, he is the MVP (Most Valuable Player), isn’t he? The most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah."

The comment was made after Bumrah dismissed both Australian openers in a stellar bowling spell. Social media erupted with criticism, labeling the comment as racially insensitive.

Apology on Live Commentary

Acknowledging the backlash, Guha apologized during live commentary on the third day of the Test match, stating:

"Yesterday, during commentary, I used a word that could have been interpreted in different ways. I want to sincerely apologize for any offense caused."

She added, "I hold myself to very high standards when it comes to empathy and respect for others. My intention was to praise one of India’s greatest players, someone I deeply admire, but I chose the wrong word. For that, I am truly sorry."

Personal and Professional Context

Guha, who has been part of Fox Sports' broadcasting team for several years, emphasized that there was no malice in her remarks. As a South Asian herself, she noted her commitment to advocating for equality and inclusivity in sports.

She said, "Being of South Asian descent, I hope people can understand there was no ill intent. I am deeply regretful for the choice of words I used."

Support from Fellow Commentators

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, seated next to Guha during her apology, praised her courage for addressing the matter publicly. Australian legend Adam Gilchrist, also present, supported her remarks.

Shastri said, "Brave woman. It takes guts to apologize on live TV. As far as I’m concerned, the matter is closed. People make mistakes; we’re all human. Let’s move on."

The apology has been well-received by many, including fans and fellow commentators, as a step toward addressing the sensitivities surrounding language and inclusivity in sports commentary. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about accountability in live broadcasting.

New Delhi: Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, is on a five-day visit to India from April 2nd to 6th. This visit aims to strengthen India-Australia's maritime ties and explore avenues for further cooperation.

During his visit, Vice Admiral Hammond met with Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy. Their discussions centered on ways to enhance bilateral maritime cooperation through increased operational engagements, training exchanges, and information sharing.

The Australian Navy Chief also met with General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. Their talks focused on broader defense cooperation, including strengthening mutual trust, fostering closer ties between the two nations, and exploring possibilities for collaboration in niche technologies and the defense industry.

Vice Admiral Hammond's itinerary includes visits to the Southern Naval Command in Kochi and the Western Naval Command in Mumbai, where he will interact with respective commanders. Notably, he will also tour India's first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, along with key defense establishments like the Integrated Simulator Complex Naval Dockyard in Mumbai and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

The visit comes after the Royal Australian Ship HMAS Warramunga's participation in the multinational exercise MILAN 2024 held in Visakhapatnam last month. This high-level engagement signifies the strong and longstanding relationship between the Indian and Australian navies, both of which share similar perspectives on maritime security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. Their collaboration extends to participation in various bilateral and multilateral forums like the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium.

Melbourne, Feb 8 (IANS) Indian-origin barrister Varun Ghosh has become the first-ever Australian Senator to take the oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita.

The 38-year-old took his position in the Australian Senate with the Labour Party officially confirming him as their pick to represent Western Australia (WA), replacing present senator Patrick Dodson.

Welcoming Ghosh in his new role, Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and South Australia senator wrote on X: "Senator Ghosh is the first ever Australian Senator sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita. I have often said, when you're the first at something, you've got to make sure you're not the last".

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Ghosh, a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers, will be a "great voice" for WA.

"I was so pleased to support your candidacy and I say this as well, you've got big shoes to fill,” Albanese was quoted as saying in The Sydney Morning Herald.

The PM earlier wrote on X: "Welcome Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia. Fantastic to have you on the team".

Ghosh is the second Indian-origin Australian in the Senate after Dave Sharma who was sworn in as a senator for New South Wales (NSW) in December.

Ghosh, who joined the Labor party in Perth at the age of 17 after his parents moved from India in the 1980s, said his preselection was an honour he won’t take for granted.

"I have had the privilege of a good education and believe strongly that high-quality education and training should be available to everyone," he said in a statement issued earlier.

At the 2019 federal election, Ghosh was placed in fifth position on the Australian Labour Party's Senate ticket in Western Australia but was not elected.

He received degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Western Australia and was a Commonwealth Scholar in Law at the University of Cambridge.

He previously worked as a finance attorney in New York and as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC.

Ghosh returned to Australia in 2015 as a senior associate with King & Wood Mallesons, representing banks, resource companies, and construction companies in dispute resolution.

Melbourne, Jan 25 (IANS) A 43-year-old Indian national and three of her relatives, all in their 20s, died on Phillip Island in one of the worst drowning tragedies in the Australian state of Victoria since 2005, local media reports said.

Off-duty lifeguards surfing at the unpatrolled Forrest Caves beach were the first to rush to the aid of the struggling group on Wednesday at around 3.30 pm, The Age reported.

They found three women and a man unresponsive after being pulled from the water and were given immediate CPR by the emergency services who had rushed to the site.

Three of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a woman was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in critical condition where she succumbed to her injuries.

Victoria Police Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Karen Nyholm told The Age that they were from Clyde in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs and that the 43-year-old was an international visitor.

The Indian High Commission condoled the deaths as a "heartbreaking tragedy" and assured all assistance to the family and friends of the deceased.

"Heartbreaking tragedy in Australia: 4 Indians lost their lives in a drowning incident at Phillip Island, Victoria. Deepest condolences to families of the victims. @cgimelbourne team is in touch with friends of the deceased for all necessary assistance," the Indian High Commission said in a social media post on X on Thursday.

"We all worked tirelessly to help those people," Ambulance Victoria manager Paul James told The Age.

Victoria Police said investigation is on as to what led to the tragedy even as emergency services warned against swimming at the relatively remote Forrest Caves beach -- a spot best suited to surfers.

"I couldn't define the worst [incident] ever, but I certainly say this was horrific," Nyholm told The Age.

Liam Krige, Life Saving Victoria's general manager of operations, said at a press conference that 19 people had drowned in Victoria since December 1 -- two more than the same period last summer.

"Behind each one of these drownings, there is a family; there’s a brother, there's a sister, there's a mother, there's a daughter," he said.

Perth, Dec 1 (IANS) Australia’s fast-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh insisted on Friday that him resting his feet over the ODI World Cup trophy was not disrespectful and added that he won't mind doing that again.

Shortly after Australia defeated hosts India by six wickets in the title clash to claim an unprecedented sixth Men’s ODI World Cup title in Ahmedabad, a picture of Marsh with his feet on the trophy were shared by captains Pat Cummins on his Instagram account, which created a huge furore on social media.

“There was obviously no disrespect meant in that photo at all. I haven’t given it too much thought, I haven’t seen a lot on social media even though everyone tells me it’s gone off. There’s nothing in that,” said Marsh on SEN Radio.

Marsh came under criticism from Indian fans, especially with fast-bowler Mohammed Shami later saying he was “hurt” by his gesture in the photo. Asked if he would do it again, Marsh said, “Yeah probably, to be honest.”

Four days after 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup was played, Australia and India squared off in a five-match T20I series, with its fourth game to be held in Raipur on Friday. Marsh stated that things like scheduling a bilateral tournament shortly after a global event is played should be avoided in the future.

“Yeah it was pretty outrageous for the guys that had to stay behind. It’s a fine line because we’ve got to respect the fact we’re playing for Australia and it’s a series against India which is always really big.”

“But there’s also the human side of it, the boys have just won a World Cup and probably deserve to celebrate for a while and get home to their families. It’s an interesting one. You’d hope there’s not too many of those series put on after big tournaments again.”

Steve Smith, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis and Sean Abbott have since flown home after taking part in first three T20I games, with Australia trailing 2-1 in the series and Travis Head the only member from World Cup winning team in India now. “I celebrated for the six guys who stayed behind, I celebrated for them,” signed off Marsh.

Melbourne, Nov 30 (IANS) Legendary Australia cricketer Ricky Ponting has backed David Warner to be in the playing eleven to kickstart the home summer through the first Test against Pakistan starting on December 14 in Perth.

Warner had earlier expressed his wish to retire from Tests after third game of the series against Pakistan at the SCG in front of friends and family in January 2024. But form hasn’t been on his side in Tests, with his best score since January 2020 being a 200 against South Africa at Melbourne in the 2022 Boxing Day Test.

“Yeah look, I think he deserves to be there at the start of the summer, but then it's up to him. I've read some reports this week about, the farewell tour and having three Tests in the summer and finishing in Sydney in front of his home crowd.”

“I mean, that's all up to David really. I don't think anyone can ever be guaranteed that sort of a run and no one can be guaranteed the fairytale retirement either. So it's up to him, if he scores runs in the first few games, then he'll most likely get that send-off that he's after.”

“But there are a few guys that are queuing up behind him that have been doing a lot of things right in domestic cricket to get their chance to open the batting. That time will obviously come, but when that is, we'll wait and see. We'll probably have a clearer picture after that first test match in Perth,” said Ponting on SEN Radio.

Who becomes the opener after Warner’s retirement from Tests is the next big question. But Ponting thinks Cameron Bancroft should succeed Warner as Australia’s next Test opener based on sheer weight of runs, ahead of Marcus Harris or Matt Renshaw.

Bancroft is the leading run-scorer in the domestic Sheffield Shield competition with 945 runs for Western Australia, and last played a Test for Australia in 2019. "If you look at those three guys, I think it's quite clear that Bancroft is the one that's got the runs on the board and I wouldn't be surprised if they (selectors) go that way."

"If you wind the clock back about six months it might have been a slightly different order than what it is now. I think they probably had Harris as the one that would come back in a while ago. To me now it sort of feels (there's) a bit more of a groundswell behind Cameron Bancroft getting first crack."

Recently, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald talked of shuffling in the batting order to accommodate Cameron Green in the playing eleven. But Ponting didn’t seem convinced by it, saying Green should win his spot in the Test playing eleven via performances in the Sheffield Shield.

“That speculation's ramped up a bit the last couple of days. There’s been some talk about Marnus potentially going up and opening the batting and trying to find a way to get Green back in the side as early and as quickly as possible.”

“I actually don't believe in that. I think Cameron Green might just have to sit back and bide his time and wait for the opportunity to come back. He can get a truckload of runs in Shield cricket and sort of force his way back into the side.”

Ponting signed off by saying Marnus Labuschagne should be kept at number three and not be sent to open the batting. “Labuschagne has been outstanding at number three for Australia, it's very much a specialist position. If they moved him up, they'd probably have to move (Steve) Smith up to three. He's always been that sort of that number four batsman.”

“It always sounds great in theory, to get one of the most talked about and talented young all-rounders back into the side as soon as possible, but it could create some potential issues along the way as well.”

“I don't know which way the selectors will go, but personally I would leave the batting order where it is and pick one of the specialist openers and give them a crack. Unfortunately, that would mean that Green would just have to sit back and wait a while.”

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 21: Deepak Parshuram Bhatt, a renowned miniature artist from Ahmedabad, is making waves not just across Gujarat or India but also on the international stage. His extraordinary artistry left a lasting impression on former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Mayor Sameer Pandey, and MP Mark Kare during his recent visit to Australia.

Mr Bhatt’s feat involved crafting a greeting letter of 70 words on a single grain of rice, which in itself is the same size as a letter.

The artist from Ahmedabad gifted former PM Scott Morrison a rice grain with Australia’s emblem drain on one side and a kangaroo on the other. The intricate workmanship of his artistry overwhelmed Mr Morrison, who gave a special symbolic gift to the artist. Mr Pandey, the Lord Mayor of the City of Parramatta, presented the Australian national flag and a symbolic coin to Mr Bhatt.

Sharing more details, Mr Bhatt said, “I spoke about my miniature art while visiting a friend in Sydney. He was so impressed that he arranged for me to meet the city’s Lord Mayor, Sameer Pandey. Before our meeting, I inscribed a 70-word greeting letter on a grain of rice, which left him overwhelmed with astonishment.”

Mr Bhatt said that he also had the opportunity to meet Mark Corr MP, Member for Otley, NSW, Australia, and presented him with a similar greeting letter.

“I had the opportunity to share more about my other miniature art achievements. Above all, former Australian PM Scott Morrison was deeply impressed by my artistry. It fills me with immense pride to witness India’s name shine through the medium of art,” he said.

Mr Bhatt has achieved numerous milestones in his career, including using his art for charitable purposes. Following the Pulwama attack of 2019, he auctioned his artefacts to raise funds for families of martyrs, contributing a sum of Rs. 1.51 lakh. He also supports the education of underprivileged students with proceeds from his art.

Originally hailing from Soldi village in Dhrangadhra, Mr Bhatt currently resides in Naroda, Ahmedabad. His accomplishments have brought immense pride to his village as he continues to earn accolades and recognition. He has also been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records, the India Book of Records, and the Limca Book of Records.

He is recognised in the Limca Book of Records for creating a one-inch vertical hole in a strand of scalp hair, while in the India Book of Records, he is celebrated for crafting an idol of Lord Ganesha from a betel nut on a moving bike.

Mr Bhatt’s art has also been noticed by other eminent figures. Former Gujarat Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rice grain bearing his image, along with the inscriptions “Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat” and “Kamal”, as a gift.

He had gifted an intricately inscribed image of Yogiji Maharaj on a mustard seed to Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He also presented a greeting letter on a grain of rice to Canadian ministers, leading to his felicitation by Canada’s working parliament. He further inscribed 396 letters on a single grain of rice, a remarkable feat which he presented to Naresh Chandra Saxena, former Governor of Gujarat, in 1996.

Further, Mr Bhatt wrote 148 letters on a sesame seed as a letter to cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Among his other notable creations is a rice grain, which, upon opening, reveals an idol of Lord Ganesha inside a meticulously crafted box that can be closed and opened.

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New Delhi (India), September 5: Vocational education abroad offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in their chosen field, while also exploring a new country and culture. It is a chance to broaden horizons and unlock new career opportunities. Australia, with its world-class education system and thriving job market, has emerged as a top destination for vocational education. Signet Institute, a leading educational institution in Australia, specializes in providing vocational education to international students. With its state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections, Signet Institute is the right choice for those looking to enhance their career prospects through vocational education abroad.

The benefits of studying vocational education abroad

Studying vocational education abroad offers a range of benefits that can greatly impact an individual’s future career. Firstly, it provides students with practical skills and hands-on training, making them job-ready upon completion of their courses. This real-world experience gives them a competitive edge in the job market and increases their chances of securing employment. Additionally, studying abroad allows students to immerse themselves in a different culture, fostering personal growth and intercultural understanding. It also provides an opportunity to build a global network of contacts, which can be invaluable in an increasingly interconnected world. Finally, studying vocational education abroad can lead to better career prospects, as international experience is highly valued by employers.

Overview of vocational education in Australia

Australia is renowned for its high-quality vocational education system. Vocational courses in Australia are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in the workplace. These courses are offered by a wide range of educational institutions, including universities, TAFEs (Technical and Further Education institutes), and private colleges. The Australian government has also implemented robust quality assurance measures to ensure that vocational education providers meet high standards of teaching and learning. This, coupled with Australia’s strong industry connections, makes it an ideal destination for vocational education.

Why choose Signet Institute for vocational education in Australia

Signet Institute stands out as a premier institution for vocational education in Australia. With its commitment to excellence and student-centered approach, Signet Institute offers a unique learning experience. The institute boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, well-equipped workshops, and industry-standard equipment. This ensures that students receive hands-on training in a simulated work environment. Moreover, Signet Institute’s faculty comprises industry professionals who bring their real-world expertise into the classroom. This not only enhances the learning experience but also provides students with valuable insights into the industry they are preparing to enter.

Vocational courses offered by Signet Institute

Signet Institute offers a wide range of vocational courses across various industries. These courses are designed to meet the specific needs of the job market and provide students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in their chosen field. Some of the popular courses offered by Signet Institute include business and Leadership, automotive, building and construction, community and health services. Each course is tailored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry, with a focus on practical application. By offering a diverse range of vocational courses, Signet Institute ensures that students have the flexibility to choose a program that aligns with their interests and career goals.

Career opportunities in Australia after completing vocational education

One of the major advantages of studying vocational education in Australia is the abundance of career opportunities available upon completion of the course. Australia has a strong and diverse economy, with a growing demand for skilled workers in various industries. The practical skills and knowledge gained through vocational education make graduates highly employable. Students who complete their vocational education at Signet Institute have a distinct advantage, as the institute has strong ties with industry partners who actively recruit their graduates. Whether it is in health, business, automotive, or construction, Signet Institute’s vocational courses open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in Australia.

Student testimonials and success stories

The success of Signet Institute can be seen through the achievements of its students. Numerous testimonials and success stories highlight the positive impact that vocational education at Signet Institute has had on students’ lives and careers. Graduates have gone on to secure rewarding jobs in their respective fields, with many attributing their success to the practical skills and industry connections gained during their time at Signet Institute. These testimonials serve as a testament to the institute’s commitment to providing high-quality vocational education and preparing students for a successful career in Australia.

Support services provided by Signet Institute

Signet Institute understands that studying abroad can be a challenging experience, especially for international students. To ensure that students have a smooth transition and a fulfilling learning journey, the institute offers a range of support services. These include academic support, work placement guidance, and student welfare services. Signet Institute’s dedicated support staff are always available to address any concerns or queries that students may have, providing them with the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

How to apply for vocational education abroad with Signet Institute

Applying for vocational education abroad with Signet Institute is a straightforward process. Interested students can visit the institute’s website and complete the online application form. They will need to provide necessary documentation, such as academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and a statement of purpose. Once the application is submitted, Signet Institute’s admissions team will review it and notify the applicant of the outcome. Successful applicants will receive an offer letter, which they can accept to secure their place at Signet Institute. The institute’s dedicated admissions staff are available to assist students throughout the application process, ensuring a seamless experience.

Conclusion: Why Signet Institute is the right choice for vocational education abroad in Australia

Choosing Signet Institute for vocational education abroad in Australia is a decision that can shape one’s future career. With its commitment to excellence, industry connections, and practical approach to learning, Signet Institute equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the job market. The institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and strong support services create an optimal learning environment. Studying vocational education at Signet Institute not only provides students with a world-class education but also opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in Australia. Whether it is in hospitality, IT, business, automotive, or design, Signet Institute is the right choice for unlocking career opportunities through vocational education abroad.

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Melbourne, July 26 (IANS) Australian-Tamil lawyer Shankari Chandran has won the $60,000 prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award for her novel, "Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens".

The award was announced at a ceremony at The Ovolo Hotel in Sydney on Tuesday.

“It’s such an honour to win the Miles Franklin Literary Award, honestly, I’m still in shock. To be recognised among my Australian writing peers in this way is extraordinary. It means so much to me that 'Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens', a novel that explores what it means to ‘be Australian’, has been recognised in this way,” Chandran said in a statement.

Set in a Western Sydney suburb, the novel follows the lives of residents at an aged care facility run by a Sri Lankan native who fled the country in the eighties to escape civil war.

In the process, it explores themes of war, genocide, racism, family, love, as well as friendship.

Praising Chandran's novel, the judges said in a joint statement: "It treads carefully on contested historical claims, reminding us that horrors forgotten are horrors bound to be repeated, and that the reclamation and retelling of history cannot be undertaken without listening to the story-tellers amongst us.

"With enormous skill Chandran recounts a solemn history, largely through a cast of squabbling, endearing elders, and invites us to open our hearts and minds: ‘If you read the literature of a country…you will understand it; you will fall in love with it'.”

The 2023 judging panel comprised of author and literary critic, Bernadette Brennan; literary scholar and translator, Mridula Nath Chakraborty; book critic, James Ley; NSW Mitchell Librarian and Chair, Richard Neville; and author and editor, Elfie Shiosaki.

Chandran’s parents, both doctors, fled Sri Lanka as the country stood on the precipice of civil war, first to the UK where the author was born, then to Australia three years later, The Guardian reported.

She grew up in suburban Canberra, in constant dialogue with herself about where she fitted in and the terms under which acceptance was granted, the report said.

Chandran has spent two decades working as a lawyer in the social justice field, on national and international program design and delivery, according to her website bio.

She continues her work in social impact for an Australian national retailer, and is based in Sydney.

Her unpublished political thriller, "Unfinished Business", will be published as an Audible Original in 2024.

Melbourne, July 24 (IANS) A 28-year-old Indian national from Ludhiana, who had been working as a driver for the past six months in South Australia, died after being hit by a bus.

Gagandeep Singh from Ludhiana had parked his bus on Conroy Street and had exited when the bus rolled forward and pinned him against a gate this month, Australian broadcaster SBS Punjabi reported.

While Gagandeep received immediate medical response from paramedics at the scene, he died after being transported to a nearby hospital, police said.

“I talked to him (the) day before the incident. Excitedly sharing his plans for the future, he mentioned that it would be his final shift as a bus driver in Port Augusta. He had been eagerly looking forward to relocating to Melbourne later this month. Little did he know that fate had other plans in store for him,” Rubal Singh, a relative of the deceased, told SBS Punjabi.

Rubal Singh said that the Major Crash Unit was investigating the circumstances leading to his death.

“We believe somehow the handbrake wasn’t applied to the bus that he parked at the yard. After exiting the bus, he realised that it was still moving. He tried to stop it by shutting down the roller gate but was tragically crushed between the bus and the gate,” he added.

A fundraiser has been set up by the community to take Gagandeep's body back to India and support the family that lost their only son and working member.

“Tragedy has struck the family as we mourn the sudden and untimely loss of our beloved, Gagandeep Singh,” GoFundMe organiser Sunny Singh wrote.

“Together, we want to honour Gagandeep’s memory and send him back to his parents in India so they can say their final goodbyes following all the last rituals and traditions.”

The campaign has so far raised A$59,000.

Melbourne, July 9 (IANS) An Australian Tamil woman has been sentenced to additional two-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice during a slavery investigation.

Kumuthini Kannan, 55, and her husband Kandasamy Kannan from Mount Waverley were convicted and jailed in 2021 after an Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation established the couple had kept a victim as a slave for eight years.

The couple had forced the victim from Tamil Nadu to live in squalid conditions, while cooking, cleaning and caring for their children before she collapsed.

Believed to be in her sixties now, the victim was admitted to hospital with severe malnourishment, diabetes and gangrene of the feet and hands, police said.

Kumuthini was sentenced on Friday in the County Court of Victoria to a further two years and six months’ imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the offence on June 13, 2023.

The Judge ordered that the sentence would start 18 months’ before the completion of her current sentence for the slavery offences.

AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said any attempt to tamper with the integrity of a trial was of serious concern to police.

“No one is above the law, and the public should feel confident that anyone who tries to interfere with the judicial process is risking serious punishments,” Butcher said.

The police charged the couple in June 2016 with slavery offences and in 2020, while awaiting trial, Kumuthini attempted to pervert the course of justice by calling the victim to threaten her and warn her not to give evidence during the court proceedings.

Following this, the AFP Human Trafficking Team charged Kumuthini with attempting to pervert the course of justice, contrary to section 43 of the Crimes Act 1914, and the matter was heard separately to the slavery proceedings.

The court in 2021 had sentenced Kumuthini to eight years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of four years for the slavery offences in 2021.

Kandasamy was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years.

This is the first of its kind case on domestic servitude in Australia, where Justice John Champion, during the sentencing in 2021, observed: “No one has expressed any sense of regret or sorrow -- it’s a fairly remarkable absence of humanity."

"Your primary focus seems to have been on yourselves... You both grossly exploited a vulnerable person for which you should be ashamed ... I am quite convinced that you both believe you did nothing wrong,” Justice Champion told the couple.

According to a Guardian report, the victim, a mother of four children, came to Australia twice to live with the Kannans in 2002 and 2004 before returning again on a one-month tourist visa in 2007.

Despite requests to be allowed to return to her family, the woman was coerced to work up to 23 hours a day caring for the couple’s children, cooking, cleaning and doing chores.

She had tea and curries thrown at her, was beaten with a frozen chicken. In exchange, she was paid about AUS$3.36 per day.

Kumuthini lied about the victim's identity to paramedics and hospital staff, so she was admitted under the wrong name, The Guardian reported.