TRANSCRIPT
NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE
SUNDAY, 1 JANUARY 2017

BILL SHORTEN, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: G’day. On behalf of my family, I want to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy 2017.

Wherever you are and however you are celebrating across Australia, I hope you get a chance to spend some time taking it easy with friends and family.

2016 was a difficult year for many Australians. As a nation, we witnessed unhappiness far too often.

From the scourge of drugs and violence against women, through to youth unemployment and older Australians unable to get re-employed.

So as we look ahead to the challenges of 2017, it is clear that too many people are feeling left out and left behind.

The Labor I lead will continue to stand up for the things that matter to ordinary Australians.

And there is no more important issue to me than jobs. 

To those who simply want a good, secure job in 2017, my united Labor team and I will keep fighting for you.

We’ll keep standing up for Medicare and we’ll fight for a decent education for our children - whether they’re at school, university or TAFE.

And we’ll keep working hard to build a strong economy that delivers for all Australians.

I sincerely hope 2017 will be a year full of joy, good health and success for you and your family.

Happy New Year!