Leading journalist, broadcaster and author Jeff McMullen has urged future community leaders to look beyond their 'matrix of self-interest' to save our world.

Speaking to 200 graduates from more than a dozen nationalities at a graduation ceremony in Melbourne (on Wednesday, September 3), McMullen urged an evolution of mind.

He told the graduates that "human diversity may prove just as essential to the survival of the human species as natural diversity is to the survival of all other living things".

Drawing on examples from some of the "darkest hours" of his career – including coverage of genocide, chemical attacks, warfare and refugee crises – McMullen suggested solutions including a world summit of religions, new political forums, combat of preventable diseases, action against water shortage and family planning support.

McMullen said if Australians had wanted a 'sophisticated response' to the current terrorist threat coming from the 'vast zones of distress' we would have "long ago opened our arms to the flow of refugees from the Middle East".

"The human family has to be supported by humanity. The strongest must use their strength. We must share our freedom and our choice," he said.

McMullen's address was to the 15th graduation ceremony of Central Queensland University's Melbourne International Campus, at the Savoy Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Melbourne. McMullen received the award of Honorary Doctor of Journalism from CQU during a graduation ceremony in 2002. ENDS