I wonder if in China, some foreigners were beaten, would an ex pm write in english on facebook or twitter that the issue will be investigated? Hmmmm.

It might sound a bit cynical but i'd imagine if there were enough interests at stake then, yes, China would make some sort of effort to lessen the effect of such an incident on those interests.

As noted in the story, China supplies a lot of foreign students who all pay large amounts in tuition fees to foreign universities. If those students/paying customers are scared off by such an incident then there are plenty of other Universities in different countries who'll take their money. It's damage limitation on the part of the Australian authorities.