Emergency workers have been applauded for giving up their Christmas, but with one eye on a looming election some just couldn’t keep the politics out of their Christmas Messages this year.
In his Christmas message, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said frontline workers did much to make this season of celebration and reflection possible.
“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 on Tuesday.
“I do want to wish everyone the very best and a peaceful and joyful Christmas.”
Mr Albanese will spend Christmas Day in Darwin, where commemorations are being held to mark 50 years since Cyclone Tracy devastated Australia’s most northern capital.
“The devastation that was felt during the Christmas time of 1974 still resonates today for the survivors of Cyclone Tracy,” he told reporters in Darwin.
“It’s important we reflect, that we honour those that lost their lives, but it’s also important that this is an opportunity for us to remind ourselves as a nation that at the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character.
“It is a chance for us to once again thank the first responders, thank all those in the emergency services, in fire and rescue, in our national parks and all of those who assist at times where it is difficult,” Mr Albanese said.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton celebrated Australian stoicism in the face of financial pressures in his Christmas message, with a clear nod to the looming election.
“With everything costing more, many Australians had to make do with less,” he said on Tuesday.
“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.”
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce also couldn’t seem to set aside the politics and just wish people well, spending half of his message continuing to disparage the renewable transition that the majority of his constituents support.
“Well, it’s Christmas, and I hope you all have a chance to spend time with your family, but I understand that this year, many are finding it very financially tight. You have had to budget more than usual, so I hope all are aware, so unaffordable wishes are avoided.
“Unless Canberra drops this intermittent power fantasy – delving out your money to billionaire organisations, with you paying through the nose for their power – then the cost-of-living issue will not get better.
“Renewables are not renewable – they are intermittent – and they don’t work if what you want is affordable power,” he said.
Joyce also included in his message that his annual rainfall chart can now be collected from his offices or downloaded from barnabyjoyce.com.au, before a single line of good will.
“I hope you get a chance to go to the river, throw in a canoe and have some time with your family. I hope you get a chance to get everyone sitting around for Christmas lunch. ”
Before returning to unnecessary division.
“Very importantly, I hope all remember that Christmas is a celebration that the Son of God came into the world and changed it for the better forever.
“We make mistakes when we think we know better. It is not “Season’s Greetings”. That is when you say hello to the seasoning in the backside of the Christmas turkey.”
““Happy Holidays” is any time, possibly most weekends,” he said.
“It is Christmas, so Merry Christmas!”
The unnecessary culture war of Joyce is made plain when contrasted with the well wishes from NSW Premier Chris Minns, one of the few to put out a Chanukah message. The Jewish holiday of Chanukah unusually also starts on December 25 this year, only the fifth time in the last century that it has coincided with Christmas; the week long festival usually falls much earlier in December.
“Chanukah is the Festival of Lights – and I know that after such a difficult year for the Jewish community, so many will be taking this opportunity to let a bit of light in – and really celebrate.
“I hope you’ll take this time to light the Chanukah candles, sing traditional songs, eat latkes and jam donuts, and savour time with your loved ones.”
From the team at New England Times, we wish everyone a very happiest of holidays, however you are celebrating at this time of year.
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