Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton share Christmas messages thanking those who put duty first
Australia’s leaders have thanked the nation’s emergency service workers, charity and Defence personnel who will forgo time with friends and family this Christmas to help others.
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Australia’s leaders have thanked the nation’s emergency service workers, charity and Defence personnel who will forgo time with friends and family this Christmas to help others.
In his annual message, Anthony Albanese wished Australians a “very merry Christmas” and paid tribute to those who will spend the holiday at work.
“I want to say thank you to our medical workers and emergency personnel, our charity and hospitality workers and those serving in the Australian Defence Force here and overseas – everyone who has given up their Christmas to help others in our community,” he said.
“You do so much to make this time of celebration and reflection possible.”
The Prime Minister said for many, Christmas was a chance for a “well-earned break, spending time with family and catching up with friends, and creating beautiful new memories with those that we love”.
“For Christians, of course, this is a holy celebration,” he said.
“For all of us, it is a season of generosity and kindness.
“I do want to wish everyone the very best and a peaceful and joyful Christmas.”
Mr Albanese also acknowledged the festive season “isn’t easy for everyone” such as the people of Darwin, who this year mark the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy devastating the city.
The PM will on Wednesday attend a memorial commemorating the event.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has also shared his message, describing Christmas as “dear to all of us”.
“Christians will rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, and for many families it will be a wonderful celebration watching little children laugh and smile when opening Santa’s presents,” he said.
“Families will come together, friends will enjoy each other’s company (and) colleagues will toast their hard work and achievements during 2024.”
Mr Dutton said not everyone would be having a break, and thanked the paramedics, nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters and Australian Defence Force personnel who “forgo time with their loved ones this Christmas and put duty first, so that we may spend time safely with our loved ones”.
He also used his message to highlight the cost of living struggles experienced by many Australians, who he said would be celebrating “getting through another tough year”.
“With everything costing more, many Australians had to make-do with less,” he said.
“It will be a hard Christmas for many.”
Mr Dutton said he saluted Australia’s charity workers and food banks, who “although overstretched, are always outstanding in what they do”.
He urged people to “reach out to those who might not be experiencing the spirit of Christmas”.
“Even with hardships at home, we should reflect, this Christmas, on how lucky we are to live in the best country in the world,” he said.
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