Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton wish Australians a Merry Christmas

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have wished Australians a Merry Christmas, giving extra thanks to those giving up their day to help others.

Mr Albanese said this was a season of generosity and kindness.

“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,” he said.

“Everyone who has given up their Christmas to help others in our community.”

The PM acknowledged that the festive season was not easy for everyone and paid tribute to those in Darwin commemorating 50 years since the devastating Cyclone Tracy.

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

Coalition leader Peter Dutton gave similar thanks to first responders and those working in defence, who would “forego time with their loved ones this Christmas and put duty first”.

Mr Dutton called for Australians to reach out to those experiencing hardship, while thanking those helping the less fortunate this Christmas.

“But whether we are at rest or at work, all Australians will celebrate getting through another tough year,” he said

“With everything costing more, many Australians had to do with much less, the struggle was acute for so many Australians and it will be a hard Christmas for many.”

He called for Australians to reach out to those experiencing hardship and encouraged people to reflect on “how lucky we are” to “live in the best country in the world”.