Anthony Albanese thanks public holiday workers and tributes religious celebrations in annual Easter message

Anthony Albanese said Easter was a time of hope and renewal for Australians.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, NewsWire Photos. MARCH 25, 2024: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The prime minister has thanked public holiday workers across Australia in his annual Easter message, attributing the event as a time for peace and reflection for people of religious faith.

In a video shared to his social media profiles on Sunday, Anthony Albanese said Easter was a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and kindness.

He paid tribute to citizens working through the long weekend and urged people to drive safely on the roads when visiting family and friends.

“Easter is a time of hope and renewal For Christians here and across the world, it’s a moment to reflect on the resurrection,” Mr Albanese said.

“Celebrations and services across the country remind us of the importance of forgiveness, grace and kindness to those in need.

“Qualities that are so much a part of the compassion and virtue of this, the greatest country on earth.”

Happy Easter, Australia. pic.twitter.com/LwHw172muE

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 30, 2024

On Friday the Opposition leader, Peter Dutton, also wished Australians a happy Easter, referencing Martin Luther King and urging people to remember the importance of the teachings of Christianity.

“At Easter, may we remember the importance of the Christian faith to so many Australians, especially its messages of hope, renewal and new life,” Mr Dutton said.

“This Easter, may we again reflect on how lucky we are to live in the greatest country in the world.”

Wishing everyone a joyous Easter filled with rest, reflection, and shared moments of happiness. pic.twitter.com/0XwdqhO15U

— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) March 28, 2024

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong urged people to “drive safe and take care of eachother” while issuing her own Easter message on Sunday.

Clare O’Neil, the Home Affairs Minister, echoed a similar tone and thanked those working through the public holidays.

This year’s multi-faith Easter holiday come days after religious groups wrote to the prime minister urging him to support their position on religious discrimination laws.

Mr Albanese warned last week that he would not move forward with greater protections for LGBT staff and students at faith-based schools and protections for religious groups if it was not supported by the opposition.

Originally published as Anthony Albanese thanks public holiday workers and tributes religious celebrations in annual Easter message