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CONTROVERSY: 'Australia has a problem with racism', says Dr Peter Hollingworth

THE FORMER governor-general for Australia has reportedly accused the country of being 'racist' and in need of an 'attitude check.'

Dr Peter Hollingworth allegedly made the comments as the country celebrated Australia Day yesterday, marking the anniversary of the British arriving to the country.

Dr Hollingworth told The Herald Sun that the country's indigenous people are 'not happy' with the celebrations: "This is the day when more drunkenness and violence and that sort of stuff is going on."

"It's not a good time for our indigenous people. They are not happy with it. To them it has all sorts of other negative connotations. I wish we could find another day," he added.

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Speaking on MTR's Steve Vizard radio program later in the day, he continued: "I think the truth is, we are all racist, really, when it comes down to it."

"I think all of us have to check ourselves from time to time, and say, look, that sort of attitude isn't good enough. It takes discipline to keep our prejudices out."