The Australian opposition leader, Tony Abbott, has used his Australia Day address to fan the fires of that countries immigration debate after he queried the true worth of new arrivals.

Mr Abbott, who was speaking at an Australia Day Council dinner in Melbourne, claimed that the average Australian was increasingly concerned over the apparent influx in boat people along with fears over strains on resources and apparent inability to integrate into a lawful society.

Australia Day – previously known as Federation Day or Anniversary Day – signifies the birth of contemporary Australia according to Mr Abbott who himself was born in London and was recently voted un-Australian of the Year by Zoo magazine for crimes against fashion for his shocking wearing of a pair of trademark speedo swimming trunks at a public event.

Historically, the 26th of January marks the date when Arthur Phillip rowed ashore in Botany Bay and claimed the land in the name of King George III. The date has been long referred to by the indigenous Aboriginal community as ‘Invasion Day’ and has witnessed numerous protests in the past.

Mr Abbott said that this historic date marked the first immigrants to the country and that Australia Day now represents a salute to immigration. However, Mr Abbott did also suggest that the country should expect more from its new migrants, arguing that the nation makes few demands on new arrivals.

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