Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a New Year's Eve message that blends national mourning with a resilient optimism, urging Australians to unite and write the next chapter of the nation's story in 2026.
A Message Tempered by Sadness
In a pre-recorded address released on December 30, 2025, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the joy typically associated with the new year is currently shadowed by grief. His remarks directly referenced the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach, which resulted in the tragic loss of 15 lives and left many more forever changed.
"Following the terror inflicted on Jewish Australians at Bondi Beach, our hearts ache for every life lost, and every life changed forever," Mr Albanese stated. He expressed that this horrific event had cast a pall over the end of the year for the entire nation.
Praising the Australian Spirit in Adversity
Despite the profound sadness, the Prime Minister pointed to the powerful community response that emerged in the attack's aftermath as evidence of the nation's core character. He described the groundswell of support and solidarity as showcasing the "best of the Australian spirit, in all its courage and compassion."
Mr Albanese emphasised that this inherent strength gives him confidence for the year ahead. "That is why I’m optimistic and determined that in the New Year we will rise to meet the challenges ahead of us in the same way Australians always do, by working together and looking after each other," he affirmed.
Looking Forward to 2026 Together
The Prime Minister's message firmly focused on collective identity and future unity. He declared that no matter the challenges, Australians would stay true to themselves and hold onto the values that define the country.
He celebrated Australia's diversity, noting the nation is enriched both by the world’s oldest continuous culture and by people from every background who contribute through hard work and aspiration. "Whether Australians by birth or here by choice, we are all proudly Australian, united by our generosity, our resilience and our abiding sense of fairness," he said.
Concluding with a forward-looking call to action, Mr Albanese framed the coming year as an opportunity for positive collective effort. "In 2026, we will write the next chapter. We’ll do it in a positive way and we’ll do it together," the Prime Minister stated, wishing all Australians a happy and hopeful new year.
