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.
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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.
