Anthony Albanese says 'better times will come' in 2024 as he paid tribute to far north Queensland flood victims and the country's emergency services staff in his end-of-year Christmas message.
Delivering his second holiday greetings as Prime Minister, Mr Albanese said the season is an opportunity for many people to rest and spend time with loved ones.
He acknowledged that Christmas was 'not an easy time for everyone' and thanked Australians for their service.
“At this time of celebration and reflection, we express our gratitude to all those who give up their Christmas for the sake of others,” he said.
Anthony Albanese says 'better times will come' in 2024 as he paid tribute to far north Queensland flood victims and the country's emergency services staff in his end-of-year Christmas message.
Anthony Albanese says 'better times will come' in 2024 as he paid tribute to far north Queensland flood victims and the country's emergency services staff in his end-of-year Christmas message.
“In particular our emergency personnel and members of the Australian Defense Force, both here and abroad. Our medical workers and our hospitality and those who volunteer through charities to help others.”
Mr Albanese acknowledged the challenges facing hundreds of flood-affected communities in the wake of former Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which tore through parts of the country's far north earlier this week.
“I know many Australians are struggling right now, especially those in Far North Queensland, dealing with the aftermath of the floods,” he said.
'To them I say: you are all in our thoughts. May better times come.'
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton used his own Christmas message to acknowledge the millions of Australians struggling to make ends meet amid the country's cost of living crisis.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton used his own Christmas message to acknowledge the millions of Australians struggling to make ends meet amid the country's cost of living crisis
Despite the financial turmoil, Mr Dutton said people across the country have carried on with “characteristic resilience” and thanked charity workers and volunteers who he said represent the best of society.
“2023 has been tough, but we can never forget that we live in the best country in the world and that is because of the Australian people,” he said.
Mr Dutton acknowledged ongoing global conflicts in Ukraine and Israel and said expressions of anti-Semitism on Australian soil “marked a low point in our country's history”.
He also paid tribute to the recently deceased Australian comedian Barry Humphries, artist John Olivers and the late Liberal senator Jim Molan.