KEY POINTS
- Anthony Albanese has delivered his first Christmas message as prime minister.
- He paid tribute to emergency service, Defence Force and shift workers.
- Opposition leader Peter Dutton reflected on the challenges of 2022, describing it as a "difficult year".
Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Australia's emergency service workers in his first Christmas message as prime minister, as Opposition leader Peter Dutton warns flood-ravaged communities will continue to need government support.
, a year after and plunged thousands into isolation over the festive period.
Donning a red and green tie normally reserved for his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team, Mr Albanese described Christmas as "a day for relaxing together with family and friends" but also "so central to [the] faith" of many Australians.
"Of course, not everyone gets to take it easy today. If you’re rostered on somewhere, I want to say thank you for your service to others," he said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thanked emergency service and defence personnel in his first Christmas message as prime minister.
"The same goes to all our emergency service workers, and of course all Australian Defence Force personnel, whether they’re serving here, or far from home overseas. Thank you to every single one of you."
The backdrop of Mr Albanese's comments is in stark contrast to this time last year, when then-prime minister Scott Morrison urged Australians to "keep pushing through" an Omicron wave causing widespread delays to Christmas travel.
Travellers were left frustrated by requirements for PCR tests to cross some interstate borders, which contributed to wait times lasting around a week in many areas.
Mr Morrison also acknowledged the devastation of the , less than a fortnight prior.
'Difficult year'
Mr Dutton said 2022 had been difficult for Australians, wracked by natural disasters, mass data breaches, and the "terrible news" of Queen Elizabeth's death.
The leader of the Liberal Party also warned that cost of living pressures continued to hurt Australians heading into Christmas.
Peter Dutton has described 2022 as a "difficult year" for many Australians.
"In the Christian spirit, please reach out to those that you know who may be without loved ones so that they don't have a lonely Christmas.
"Whilst it's been a difficult year, it's the Australian way that we show gratitude for what we have. Christmas is a time for Australians to again express thanks for how lucky we are to live in the best country in the world."
