Albanese and Dutton praise ‘resilience’ of Australians in face of disasters and cost-of-living pressure

Political leaders also thank emergency services workers in annual Christmas messages

Anthony Albanese has used his annual Christmas message to pay tribute to flood-affected residents in northern Queensland while expressing gratitude to medical and hospitality workers.

The prime minister issued a short video message to the nation on Christmas Eve, wishing Australians well over the holiday period and paying particular tribute to defence force personnel.