Christmas is 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.
Families will come together.
Friends will enjoy each other’s company.
Colleagues will toast their hard work and achievements during 2024.
Of course, not all of us will have a break, and I really want to say thank you to the paramedics, to the nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters, and our amazing Defence Force personnel who will forgo time with their loved ones this Christmas and put duty first, so that we may spend time safely with our loved ones.
But 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.
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.
I saw this commendable spirit first-hand across the country: talking to workers, and small business owners; hard-hit farmers, fishermen, and manufacturers; and in families under financial pressure.
This Christmas, we spare a thought for those less fortunate and those doing it tough.
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.
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.
We really are the custodians of their legacy.
And may we ensure, as they did, that this nation is prosperous, secure, and united.
From my family to yours, I wish all Australians a very happy, relaxing, and safe Christmas.
25 December 2024
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View the Leader of the Opposition’s Christmas video message here.