By Jacob Shteyman in Canberra

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thanked medical and emergency workers and defence force members who have given up their Christmas to help others.

In his Christmas message, Mr Albanese said they do 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 plans to spend Christmas Day in Darwin, where commemorations are being held to mark 50 years since Cyclone Tracy devastated Australia’s most northern capital.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton celebrated Australian stoicism in the face of financial pressures in his Christmas message on Tuesday.

“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.”

The Australian spirit shone through what was, for many, a difficult 2024.

“Contending with financial pressures this year, Australians carried on with stoicism – as is the Australian way,” Mr Dutton said.

“I saw this commendable spirit first-hand across the country: talking to workers and small business owners; hard-hit farmers, fishermen, and manufacturers; and in families under financial pressure.”

He urged Australians to remember those facing hardship.

“This Christmas, we spare a thought for those less fortunate and those doing it tough,” he said.

“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.”

While many Australians may feel their burdens unbearable, the story of Christmas demonstrates that hope is ever-present, said Reverend Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia.

“I hear stories of grief, fatigue, and isolation from communities across the country,” Rev Suli said.

“Our world is in conflict. It can feel like hope is not enough.

“But the Christmas story speaks to these very struggles. Just like hope was born into poverty on that first Christmas, so is hope born into our broken world.”

Bishop Vincent Long, the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta in Sydney’s west, similarly implored Australians not to become despondent in the face of adversity, but to take heart in the message of Christmas.

Mr Dutton concluded his message with an acknowledgement of previous generations of Australians for making it the country it is today.

“We really are the custodians of their legacy,” he said.

“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.”