Howard to push Australian values

SYDNEY - Prime Minister John Howard is expected to call on immigrants to embrace Australian values when he gives his first major speech of the year on Thursday.

Mr Howard will address the National Press Club in Canberra on the eve of Australia Day.

News Ltd newspapers said today the prime minister is expected to argue that immigrants must adopt Australian values, not just "occupy real estate", to prevent the development of extremism.

It is believed Mr Howard has been discussing the effects of multiculturalism with colleagues over the past two months.

- AAP