Anthony Albanese’s new year’s message reflects grief of Bondi attack and claims 2026 will ‘write next chapter’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australians would remain true to who they are and rise to meet the challenges facing the nation, no matter what comes their way.

In a recorded New Year’s Eve message, Mr Albanese wished Australians a happy new year and hoped they would count down to 2025 with their families and loved ones.

“Of course, at the moment, the joy we usually feel at the beginning of the new year is overshadowed by the sadness of the old,” the Prime Minister said.

“In the wake of the terror inflicted on Australian Jews at Bondi Beach, our hearts ache for every life lost and every life changed forever.”

Mr Albanese said the Bondi terror attack, which killed 15 people and the subsequent groundbreaking of the communal spirit, showed “the Australian spirit at its best, in all its courage and compassion”.

“So I am optimistic and determined that we will meet the challenges ahead in the New Year as Australians have always done, by working together and looking out for each other,” he said.

“No matter what the world throws at us, we will continue to do things our way, stay true to who we are, hold on to everything that makes us the best country in the world.”

Whether Australian by birth or choice here, Mr Albanese said: “We are all proudly Australian, united by our generosity, resilience and unwavering sense of justice.” he said.

“We are proud that our country is both the world’s oldest continuous culture and enriched by people of all backgrounds and traditions who enrich our nation through their hard work and passion,” he said.

“Our Australian story is a very remarkable and unique, beautiful story in many ways.

“We will write the next chapter in 2026. We will do it in a positive way, and we will do it together.”