In a speech delivered at The Sydney Institute on Thursday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian cited her own story of growing up in a migrant family to express how immigrants have benefited Australia.
Ms Berejiklian revealed in her address that more than 40 of her own relatives were among the 1.5 million massacred in the Armenian Genocide, and her grandparents were orphaned and forced to leave their homeland.
"My childhood experience is by no means unique," Ms Berejiklian said.
"It has defined so many Australians of migrant backgrounds who are determined to work hard, to give back, and to contribute in their way to the betterment of our state and nation."
Ms Berejiklian’s first language was Armenian because her parents, who had migrated to Australia in the 1960s, wanted to preserve their heritage.
"They were determined to make sure my sisters and I were bilingual and proud of our heritage," she said.
"Despite being very intelligent and well read, my parents hadn't had the chance to finish high school themselves."
As an avid reader, Ms Berejiklian pursued her studies and wanted to excel, progressing to university.
“I learned to be self-disciplined and self-motivated and to work hard.”
It is this mindset that the 45th premier of NSW said was common among migrant communities.
"If we want to continue to prosper as a state and as a nation, we cannot underestimate the benefits that successive waves of immigration have brought to our nation," she said.
“Work ethic, skills, talent and energy from all over the world.”
Ms Berejiklian also warned that local services were under the strain of growing communities.
“I make no apologies for stressing that the right to be a citizen in this country brings with it responsibilities,” she said.
"In an ever-changing world with increasing challenges, the debate about the nature and scale of immigration is a constant one.
In Australia I believe our current level of migration is about right.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia's net migration in 2015-16 was 182,165, with NSW growing by 71,161 people during that period.
She is calling for a meeting of state and federal leaders next year to discuss immigration.
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) usually meets twice a year, and brings together the prime minister, state and territory leaders and the president of the Australian Local Government Association.
It is Australia’s peak intergovernmental forum and discusses a wide range of issues.
