Fed: Political leaders send Christmas wishes

AAP General News (Australia)
12-24-2005
Fed: Political leaders send Christmas wishes

(EDS: Embargoed until 0001 AEDT on Saturday, December 24, 2005)



CANBERRA, Dec 24 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard and Labor leader Kim Beazley have
sent their Christmas wishes to the Australian people.

Remembering the many disasters of the past 12 months, such as the Indian Ocean tsunami
and the Pakistan earthquake, Mr Howard said 2005 had seen the good heart of Australia
on display.

"(We) have demonstrated that this is a generous, outward looking nation willing to
share the good fortune that life has given us with those who are less fortunate," he said
in his 2005 Christmas message.

The prime minister also urged the community to spare a thought for those on the margins
in Australian society.

"We should remember there are still many within our midst who haven't enjoyed life
to the full," Mr Howard said.

"We must continue to do what we can to help them.

"Christmas is a time for families to get together, to see old friends ... (and in)
enjoying that good fortune we should spare a thought for the lonely in our community,
without family and without friends, for whom Christmas can be a particularly hard time."

Mr Howard sent particular wishes to the Australian men and women serving in the Defence
forces overseas, who were away from their family at this festive time.

As workers anticipate a changing industrial landscape following the passage of new
workplace laws this year, Mr Beazley said the time people had with their families at Christmas
was sacrosanct.

"Australians are the hardest workers in the world and this time with family and friends
is particularly precious," he said in his Christmas message.

"Our tough work ethic throughout the rest of the year results in Australians placing
even greater value on this special time with family and friends.

"Time with family is sacrosanct and must never be undermined."

He urged all Australians to show tolerance and respect to all over the festive season.

"I urge all Australians to mark Christmas by reinforcing these unique Australian values
of tolerance, freedom, generosity and respect, particularly with our young people," Mr
Beazley said.

"The greatest gift that one generation can give to the next is an understanding of
the values that make our society great.

"My message to all Australians this Christmas is: Be proud of the values that make
us uniquely Australian and take the time to pass on those values to your children."

AAP so/cjh/de

KEYWORD: XMAS FEDERAL (EMBARGOED)

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