Albanese, Dutton reflect on 2024 in Christmas messages

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has used his Christmas message to thank essential workers, including members of the Australian Defence Force, medical staff and volunteers for keeping the country running during the festive season.

Federal politicians, including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, have encouraged families to come together in their festive messages but acknowledged the challenges that came in 2024.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

“For so many, this can be 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,” Albanese said in a statement.

“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.”

The message is one of reprieve before a federal election, due by May, but Dutton used his Christmas message to take a swipe at the government by emphasising the cost-of-living struggles households are dealing with.

“Whether we’re at rest – or at work – all Australians will celebrate getting through another tough year. With everything costing more, many Australians had to make do with less. The struggle was acute for so many Australians, and it will be a hard Christmas for many,” Dutton said.

“I salute our charity workers, our food banks, and those feeding the poor and homeless – who, although overstretched – are always outstanding in what they do.

“Contending with financial pressures this year, Australians carried on with stoicism – as is the Australian way.”

The opposition leader, who will be spending Christmas in Queensland, encouraged people to be generous during the festive season to help those less fortunate.

“Many of us will know individuals and families who really are struggling – and where we can, we should reach out to those who might not be experiencing the spirit of Christmas,” he said.

“Even with hardships at home, we should reflect, this Christmas, on how lucky we are to live in the best country in the world – a nation forged, fought for, and passed on to us by our forebears.”

The prime minister is set to spend Christmas in Darwin as part of commemorations for the 50-year anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, the severe natural disaster that hit the Northern Territory’s capital on Christmas Eve in 1974, killing 66 people.

“For all of us, it is a season of generosity and kindness … of course, the festive season isn’t easy for everyone, such as for the people of Darwin, who, for this year, I’ll be spending time with commemorating 50 years since Cyclone Tracy devastated Australia’s most northern capital,” Albanese said.

“I do want to wish everyone the very best and a peaceful and joyful Christmas.“

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