An Australia Day advert featuring two girls in hijabs in front of an Australian flag has been removed from a Melbourne street after threats were made to the billboard company.

The Victoria state government said the company, QMS, received a series of "abusive and threatening" complaints.

A spokesman for QMS would not detail the nature of the threats to the BBC.

The digital advert, promoting a series of government-backed events, had been the subject of online debate.

Victoria's Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott said it was disappointing to see "a small minority attacking proud Australians".

"Anyone who considers this a victory needs a refresher on the true meaning of Australia Day," he said in a statement.

"It is about bringing people together and celebrating the diversity which makes this state and this country great."

Australia Day is a public holiday celebrated on 26 January, marking the day Britain's First Fleet arrived in 1788.