‘Only present we want is rain’: Scott Morrison reaches out to drought-stricken areas

Scott Morrison uses his Christmas message to reach out to Australians in drought-stricken communities.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison wishes for rain during his Christmas message to Australians. Picture: Twitter

Scott Morrison says Australia wants rain for a Christmas present as the Prime Minister used his seasonal message to pay tribute to those in drought-stricken communities.

In his first Christmas message as Prime Minister, Mr Morrison thanked Australians for their generosity towards regional communities and pledged to stand by them while they rebuild.

“This year, what does Australia want as a Christmas present? Well, we want rain,” he said.

“We want rain for our drought-stricken communities. And this year, Australians have been so generous to our regional communities.

How good is Christmas! From my family to you and yours... Merry Christmas, Australia. pic.twitter.com/IWTCeQxNXu

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) December 24, 2018

“We want to send to all of those communities our love and our continued promise that we will stand by you for as long as it takes and then as you rebuild.”

Mr Morrison and Bill Shorten both used their Christmas messages to pay tribute to Australian troops serving overseas.

“This Christmas, we remember the 3200 members of our Australian Defence Force, who are currently away on deployment,” Mr Morrison said.

“Away from home, from family, in the service of our country.”

Chloe and I wish you a very Merry Christmas! 🎄 🎁 pic.twitter.com/R1CRv2D6gh

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) December 24, 2018

The Opposition Leader appeared in his Christmas message with his wife, Chloe, and made special mention of volunteers and workers on the Christmas Day shift.

“We should never forget all those Australians for whom this is just another working day, people working long hours to put food on the table for their families,” he said.

“All of us are lucky to live in a great country. Chloe and I hope that you get some time to relax this summer, to celebrate and catch up with the people you care most about.”