E&OE TRANSCRIPT
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
MELBOURNE
SUNDAY, 25 DECEMBER 2016

BILL SHORTEN, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: G’day 

We’re coming to the end of a big year and Chloe and I wanted to take a moment to wish you all the best for a safe and happy summer. 

CHLOE SHORTEN: At a time when a lot of us are thinking about taking things easy, we think of those Australians who will be busy right through the break.  

BILL: Our troops serving overseas and their loving families waiting back here – they also serve. 

And we give thanks for our emergency services personnel – fighting fires, preventing crime, saving lives. 

CHLOE: We all hope they have a quiet Christmas. 

BILL: We think of all those Australians working this holiday season to make our Christmas run smoothly – modest heroes who get up before the sun rises or work through the night. 

Hard-working people, relying on penalty rates to provide for their families - something I’ll always fight for. 

And Christmas is also a time for us to spare a thought for the people who are doing it tough. 

CHLOE: People without a safe place to stay or battling loneliness and women and children in refuges. 

BILL: We’re so lucky that many Australians will roll-up their sleeves to provide hot meals, secure accommodation and a little bit of Christmas cheer in hard times. 

CHLOE: So please be careful on the roads and safe around the water.

BILL: We hope all of you have a relaxing break, with the people that you love. 

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas. 

CHLOE: Merry Christmas.