At the end of a big year, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I hope you get the chance to celebrate with your friends and loved ones over a delicious meal.

Personally, I’m looking forward to some relaxing time with my family – and a whole new supply of jokes and zingers from the Christmas crackers.

At this time of year, we should think of all those Australians who won’t get the chance to spend Christmas with the people that they love.

The men and women in our Defence Force, stationed around the world and in conflict zones.

Our emergency services personnel, our ambos, our fireys, our nurses and our police, working through the days and nights of the holiday season to keep us all safe.

And then there’s heroes who don’t wear a uniform – Australians working unsociable hours to make ends meet and to make our community a better place.

And finally, as we give thanks for how lucky we are, let’s just remember all those in Australia who will go without this Christmas, who will struggle to make ends meet.

Let’s think of the people who are doing it tough – both here in Australia and around the world.

And perhaps we could all try and do something to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer into their lives, to dedicate ourselves to making their 2015 better than 2014.

Merry Christmas everyone and have a happy and safe New Year.

WEDNESDAY 24 DECEMBER 2014

MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053