CHARLIE TEO has called for more acceptance of refugees and a recognition of racism in this country in the Australia Day address he delivered last night.

The renowned brain surgeon detailed his experiences of the ''hidden and sometimes overt'' racism in Australia and argued that politicians should consider taking a bipartisan approach to refugees.

''Both sides of the political fence are floundering,'' Dr Teo said. ''I believe Australia has a moral and social obligation to demonstrate a higher level of kindness … to refugees,'' he said.

After living in the US for 10 years, Dr Teo said he was still concerned by the tendency of the Australian government to ignore what he believed was a very real problem of racism.

''It still disturbs me when I hear some of our politicians reassuring overseas governments that it doesn't exist at all,'' Dr Teo said.

''It is incorrect and naive to say that there is no anti-Arab or no anti-Indian sentiment, just ask someone of Middle Eastern or Indian appearance.''

The son of immigrants, growing up in what he described as the ''diehard, true-blue Aussies'' area of Picnic Point in Sydney's south west, Dr Teo said he was ''somewhat qualified to offer comment on the issue of refugees''.

''I want all Australians to see how immigrants have contributed to our nation and to appreciate that a rich and prosperous country such as ours has a moral and global responsibility to share our resources,'' he said.

He also said refugees should make an effort to ''embrace the Australian way of life''. ''I would like to see this Australia Day as a turning point,'' Dr Teo said.

ABC Radio National 576am will broadcast Dr Teo's address at 12:05pm on Thursday.