NSW premier spruiks multiculturalism

Mike Baird is concerned some people in Australia want to close our borders and risk destroying the multiculturalism that makes the country great.

NSW Premier Mike Baird

Mike Baird is concerned some people in Australia want to close our borders. (AAP)

Multiculturalism should be celebrated for all the benefits it has brought to Australia, says NSW Premier Mike Baird.

Speaking at an Australia Day lunch, Mr Baird highlighted the need for a welcoming and inclusive country adding he believed the country was at a fork in the road.

"We are potentially at risk of losing what makes Australia a great place to live because some want to shut our doors and avert our eyes," he told a packed room at Luna Park on Friday.

"It is our generous spirit that has always defined us as a nation, let us not lose it now when we need it most."

Mr Baird made the comments at the 32nd Australia Day lunch, ahead of next week's national day.

Events are taking place across NSW and in Sydney on Tuesday. About a million people are expected to pack the foreshore of the harbour to sing the national anthem at noon.


Share

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world