Light and dark in leaders’ 2022 Christmas messages

Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have delivered starkly contrasting Christmas messages, highlighting the complexities of 2022 | WATCH

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton drop off Christmas presents at the Kmart wishing tree at at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Australia’s political leaders have delivered starkly contrasting Christmas messages, highlighting the light and dark of 2022.

In his first festive address as Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese focused on the positive, touching on the importance of faith and thanking those heading into work on Christmas Day.

“Christmas is such a special time of year,” the PM said.

“It’s a day of giving. It’s a day for relaxing together with family and friends.

“And for many Australians, it is a day that is so central to their faith.”

As many prepare to pop champagne, tuck into lunch and head to the beach with family and friends on Sunday, Mr Albanese recognised those who would be spending their time out in the community assisting Australians in need this Christmas.

“Of course, not everyone gets to take it easy today. If you’re rostered on somewhere, I want to say thank you for your service to others,” he said.

“If you’re working because you’ve volunteered your time to make Christmas better for your fellow Australians – whether you’re serving lunch to those in need or you’re keeping our beaches safe – I want to express my gratitude and my admiration.”

“The same goes to all our emergency service workers, and of course all Australian Defence Force personnel, whether they’re serving here, or far from home overseas. Thank you to every single one of you.”

“Whatever form Christmas Day takes for you, may it be a very happy one. And may Santa be good to every child. Merry Christmas.”

In contrast, Liberal leader Peter Dutton kept things political, reflecting on 2022 as “a difficult year for Australians” as he delivered his Christmas greeting.

“While we saw off the worst of the pandemic, cost of living pressures continue to hurt families and small businesses across the nation,” Mr Dutton said.

“Millions of our fellow citizens had their personal data compromised in the hacks on Optus and Medibank.”

Also noting the many natural disasters that devastated communities across the country this year, particularly flooding across the east coast, Mr Dutton said Australians had experienced “the darkest of days”.

“Communities will continue to require our assistance and government assistance in the coming months and years ahead,” he said.

Mr Dutton also used the opportunity to thank essential workers, acknowledging that some will be forgoing Christmas celebrations with their families to assist their fellow Australians.

“I want to say a very big thank you to the emergency service workers, to police, to first responders, to volunteers, and to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force – not only helping so many Australians during the floods – but also for all of those who will be on duty during Christmas at home and abroad,” he said.

The Liberal leader also used his address to reflect on the death of our longest serving Monarch and to encourage Australians to view the period as a time to give generously.

“This year we received the terrible news, the loss of Queen Elizabeth II. She embodied the very best virtues and values,” he said.

“During Christmas, I hope all Australians have time to rest and to celebrate with family and friends.

In the Christian spirit, please reach out to those that you know who may be without loved ones so that they don’t have a lonely Christmas.”

Despite a rather sombre reflection of 2022, the opposition leader ended his message with a reminder to be grateful for what we have as Australians.

“Whilst it’s been a difficult year, it’s the Australian way that we show gratitude for what we have,” he said.

“Christmas is a time for Australians to again express thanks for how lucky we are to live in the best country in the world.

A very happy and safe Christmas to you and yours.”