Abstract
The murder of French student Sophie Collombet in Brisbane in late March has sparked a debate about the safety of travellers in Australia. A man has now been arrested and charged with Collombet’s rape and murder, which comes not long after the murders of three other young overseas visitors, all in Brisbane.
After Collombet’s murder, Queensland premier Campbell Newman said overseas visitors had nothing to fear:
I believe it is safe not only for international students, but for Brisbane students.
Yet there is no doubt perceptions are important. Some in the tourism industry were calling for high-level meetings to address crime concerns even before the recent murders. But are the perceptions of violence and danger a true reflection of the reality of being an international visitor in Australia?
After Collombet’s murder, Queensland premier Campbell Newman said overseas visitors had nothing to fear:
I believe it is safe not only for international students, but for Brisbane students.
Yet there is no doubt perceptions are important. Some in the tourism industry were calling for high-level meetings to address crime concerns even before the recent murders. But are the perceptions of violence and danger a true reflection of the reality of being an international visitor in Australia?
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | The Conversation |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Apr 2014 |
