History lecturer and author Stephen Chavura has called on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Liberal Party to promote “Australian unity” over multiculturism.

A survey conducted by the Australian Population Research Institute found only 49 per cent of Melbourne felt a sense of belonging to Australia.

“There is a cultural fragmentation in Australia, and no one really knows how to fix it," he said.

“There needs to be a reemphasis on Australian unity.

“The Liberal Party can lead the way on this.

“Peter Dutton needs to come out and say we need to talk about Australian unity, and not multiculturalism.

“That is something that I think is going to actually speak to a lot of Australians."