Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton deliver their 2023 Christmas messages focusing on those doing it tough

“For so many Australians, this is a chance to rest,” Mr Albanese said in his Christmas message on Sunday.

“To spend time with our family, catch up with friends, and to cherish the memories of those no longer with us.”

Christmas was also a holy time, he added.

Mr Albanese expressed his gratitude to everyone who’s giving up their Christmas for the sake of others.

“In particular, our emergency personnel and Australian Defence Force members, whether here or overseas,” he said.

“Our medical workers and our hospitality and those who give up for others through charities,” he added.

At the same time, it wasn’t an easy period for some, the prime minister said.

“I know many Australians are doing it tough at the moment, in particular those in Far North Queensland, dealing with the aftermath of the floods,” he said.

Mr Albanese also asked Australians to drive safely this holiday season.

Mr Albanese plans to spend his day at the Exodus Foundation in Ashfield in Sydney’s west helping to serve Christmas lunch to thousands of people who are homeless and in need of connection and a chat.

He volunteers at the event, run by the Reverend Bill Crews, each year.

Usually arriving early in the morning, Mr Albanese said it was an uplifting experience and represented the spirit of Christmas.

Australians will be looking forward to celebrating Christmas after a tough year in 2023 when many struggled to make ends meet as the cost of living rose, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said.

“But despite the difficulties, Australians pressed on with characteristic resilience,” he said in his Christmas and New Year message.

“The generosity and the efforts of our wonderful charity workers and volunteers epitomised the very best of our society.”

However, “abhorrent displays” of anti-Semitism marked a low point, Mr Dutton said, in the wake of the October 7 attack on southern Israel by the Islamist militant group Hamas.

Mr Dutton also remembered those who lost loved ones in 2023.

“I wish all Australians a happy, relaxing and safe Christmas in the company of family and friends,” Mr Dutton said.

Defence Minister Richard Marles and his defence portfolio colleagues — Pat Conroy, Matt Keogh and Matt Thistlewaite — thanked Australian Defence Force members and families.

“We are eternally grateful for the hard work and sacrifices made by our serving personnel, their APS colleagues, friends and family,” the ministers said in a joint statement.

“To those with an empty seat at the dinner table or setting up a video call with family and friends, we truly appreciate the sacrifices you make.”

The ministers also paid tribute to ADF personnel assisting with the northern Queensland flood effort, in support of state emergency services.

AAP