Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton share festive thanks to workers and volunteers in Christmas messages

The nation’s leaders have wished Australians a merry, peaceful and joyful Christmas while given extra thanks to those who are working or volunteering during the festive period.

Anthony Albanese described it as a time of celebration and reflection.

The Prime Minister will spend Christmas Day in Darwin marking 50 years since Cyclone Tracy devastated the city. This will be marked with events on Tuesday and a dawn service on Wednesday.

“I want to wish every Australian a very Merry Christmas,” he said in a video message.

“For so many, this can be a chance for a well-earned break, spending time with family and catching up with friends, and creating beautiful new memories with those that we love.

“For Christians, of course, this is a holy celebration. For all of us, it is a season of generosity and kindness.”

He singled out emergency, charity and hospitality workers and people serving in the Australian Defence Force for an extra thank you.

“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 here and overseas – everyone who has given up their Christmas to help others in our community,” he said.

“You do so much to make this time of celebration and reflection possible.

“Of course, the festive season isn’t easy for everyone, such as for the people of Darwin, who, for this year, I’ll be spending time with, commemorating 50 years since Cyclone Tracy devastated Australia’s most northern capital.

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

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton echoed the thanks to nurses, doctors, emergency workers and Defence personnel — and added a bit of political spice to his Christmas message.

“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,” he said.

“Contending with financial pressures this year, Australians carried on with stoicism — as is the Australian way.

“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.”

He thanked “overstretched” charity workers and food banks, and the “commendable spirit” of workers, small business owners, farmers, fisherman, manufacturers and families under financial pressure after a tough year.

“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,” Mr Dutton said.

“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.”