From my family to yours, I wish all Australians a Happy New Year.
I’m sure that for many of you, you are reflecting on the year that’s been, including on those events – at home and abroad – which are etched in our national consciousness.
Incidents that shocked us.
Athletes who inspired us.
Heroes who awed us.
And people defending freedom against those who would harm us.
With the new year, Australians will also be thinking about their aspirations and hopes for 2025.
And not just for yourselves and for your families – but for our nation, too.
2025, of course, is a federal election year.
And Australians will again exercise the greatest gift democracy affords: the privilege of having a say in determining the future of our great country.
Our nation has endured three tough years.
Australians have become worse off, and our nation has gone backwards.
Families are hurting, with everything costing more.
We’ve had a record number of small businesses going bust.
Sadly, crime and hate have spread across many parts of our communities.
Australia has taken a turn for the worse.
But setbacks don’t need to be set in stone.
The choice of everyday Australians matters.
Your choice matters.
And, this year, I reach out to all Australians to choose a better path.
Together, let’s end the cost-of-living crisis.
Together, let’s restore good government which gets off your back.
Together, let’s back small businesses so that they can get ahead.
Together, let’s get power prices down, and power-up our nation for the future.
Together, let’s restore the balance to our migration system so that it’s at sustainable levels, and allows us to revive the dream of home ownership.
Together, let’s revive our unity through pride in our country.
Together, let’s reignite our national confidence, and our sense of hope.
In 2025, together, let’s get our country Back on Track.
1 January 2025
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View the Leader of the Opposition’s New Year video message here.