Family snaps and words of peace: Premier and Lib Leader deliver Christmas messages
As our state leaders speak of peace and compassion, the nation’s Prime Minister and federal Opposition leader also take a moment to pause and reflect.
On Christmas Eve, the state’s Premier Peter Malinauskas and Opposition Liberal Leader Ashton Hurn share their messages for the people of South Australia.
Premier Peter Malinauskas
I wish every South Australian a safe and Merry Christmas.
There are few places around the world that are as peaceful and prosperous as South Australia.
We are so lucky to be able to call this place home.
Christmas is a time to get together with friends and family, and I hope you get the chance to be with your loved ones across the Christmas and New Year period.
Spare a thought for those who are less fortunate or perhaps lonely this time of year.
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If you can, reach out to someone who might be a bit lonely at Christmas time. Your care and compassion could make a world of difference to their Christmas.
And a big thank you to those who are working through this period, in particular those delivering frontline essential services. Your sacrifice this time of year helps keep our state running.
Have a great break, have a great Christmas and here’s to a really prosperous 2026.
Liberal Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn
This year, I’m especially looking forward to Christmas morning with my husband, Adam, and our 19-month-old son, Rupert. Anyone who’s spent Christmas morning with a toddler will know it’s the perfect mix of pure joy and a little bit of chaos too.
We’ll be spending the day locally with my family – enjoying a home-cooked lunch made with local produce, and no doubt sharing a bottle or two of Barossa red.
But Christmas isn’t all sparkle and joy. It can be a really challenging time for many in our communities, and there’s still so much more to do to make our state more affordable, so people aren’t forced to choose between presents for their kids and putting food on the table.
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Ultimately, Christmas is about hope and spending time with the people you love – and in the wake of the recent tragedy in Bondi, that message feels more important than ever.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley have delivered their own messages of hope during a bittersweet Christmas festive period.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Christmas is a time for reflection as Australia comes to terms with an anti-Semitic massacre that left 15 innocent people killed on the first day of Hanukkah on December 14.
“Wherever you are across our wonderful country, Christmas will feel different this year, after the terror inflicted on Jewish Australians celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach. We feel the weight of sorrow in our hearts,” he said.
“Together, we give thanks for the extraordinary courage that shone so brightly through the darkness, a powerful reminder that in the worst of times we see the very best of the Australian character.
“It is in that spirit that Christmas brings Australians together to celebrate all that we have and all that we share.”
Opposition Leader Susan Ley
Christmas came at a time of deep sorrow and reflection for Australia, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said.
“This Christmas, we remember those we have lost. We stand with those who are hurting and we hold fast to the values that bind us together as Australians,” she said.
“Moments like this test us, they ask who we are as a people and what we choose to stand for.
“Hatred and extremism have no place in Australia, anti-Semitism has no place in Australia. Our strength as a nation lies in our decency, our courage, and our willingness to stand together, especially when it is hard.”
– with AAP
