Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have thanked essential workers for helping Australia through the coronavirus pandemic in their Christmas messages.
Both leaders focused on how Australians had come together to confront challenges and expressed gratitude that 2020 will shortly be at an end.
In his Christmas message, Morrison said: “If there’s one overwhelming feeling we have this Christmas, I think it’s one of thankfulness, of gratitude.”
“This year has not been easy for any of us: some of us have faced the loss of loved ones, others the loss of jobs and their livelihoods, separation from family, isolation during lockdowns and lost gatherings with those we love.”
Beginning with summer bushfires that killed 33 people, 2020 was considered an annus horribilis in Australia despite much lower rates of coronavirus infection than many comparable countries.
Australia entered its first recession in 29 years; more than 900 people died with coronavirus, mostly in aged care; its two largest cities faced Covid outbreaks, resulting in Melbourne enduring a five-month lockdown and Sydney entering the festive season with localised restrictions.
Morrison said Australians had “rallied to each other, together”, citing firefighters, volunteers, doctors, nurses, researchers, retail workers and public servants as among those who had played their part.
“Even now – up in Sydney on the northern beaches everyone is still there doing their bit to keep all of us safe, right across the country.”
Morrison singled out people in aged care, including their carers, who had gone without visits due to coronavirus restrictions in a “terribly hard” year.
Morrison gave thanks that in Australia “our blessings outweigh our struggles”. Quoting from the book of Galatians, Morrison offered a prayer: “Let us not grow weary of doing good for in due season we shall reap a harvest – if we do not give up.”
Albanese said: “This year, more than most years, Christmas comes not just as a joy but as a relief.”
“It’s been a tough year, but Australians have risen to the challenge, especially our essential workers – the nurses, cleaners, supermarket workers and the teacher who had to find new ways to teach,” he said.
“Australians stood together. We helped each other and we’re getting through this together.”
Albanese wished peace to Australians and their loved ones, before adding a jocular suggestion that 2020 “get in the bin”.
