Multiculturalism in Australia more valuable than mining: Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull believes Australia's multiculturalism and the diversity of its 24 million people are a more important asset than 'rocks under the ground'.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull addresses the National Press Club in Canberra, Thursday, June 30, 2016. Source: AAP

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has declared Australia's diverse population more valuable than the nation's mining resources.

During his address to the National Press Club, the prime minister praised the diversity of the 24 million Australians.

"They are our greatest assets, not the rocks under the ground," he said in Canberra on Thursday.