Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have set aside politics to wish Australians a happy and safe Easter, each delivering heartfelt messages centred on faith, family, and national values.
Albanese shared his Easter reflections in a warm public message:
“Whether you’re reflecting on your faith on this holy day or simply taking a break – have a safe and happy Easter, Australia.”
Albanese, who will attend Easter Sunday mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, where he once served as an altar boy, spoke about the deep social justice values shaped by his Catholic upbringing.
“The message of all the great monotheistic faiths is about social justice, about looking after people,” he told a live audience during The Rest is Politics podcast recording on Saturday night.
“I said on election night that I regard kindness as an Australian value — and I do. It’s a strength, not a weakness, to care for others.”
In a broader message to the public, the Prime Minister highlighted Easter as a time for rest, reflection, and togetherness.
“Whether you’re spending time with family and friends or preparing for an Easter egg hunt, may the weekend be everything you want it to be,” he said, also thanking frontline workers who help “keep our great country running”.
Meanwhile, Dutton marked Easter with a handshake and a laugh at the Sydney Royal Easter Show — even meeting Hephner the alpaca, famous for sneezing on King Charles — before turning to more solemn reflections.
“Easter is a time of reflection, and a time to rest, recharge, and spend time with those we love.”
He described Good Friday as a “day of contemplation” and Easter Sunday as a “celebration of joy and renewal of hope” through the risen Christ.
Dutton emphasised that the holiday’s values — “faith, renewal and enduring hope” — reflect the broader Australian spirit of “service, kindness, compassion and grace”.
“Whether you’re at a church service, sharing lunch with family, or enjoying a quiet moment with a hot cross bun and a cuppa, Easter reminds us of the values that help bind our nation together.”
The Opposition Leader also paid tribute to essential workers — especially paramedics, nurses, police, firefighters, and defence personnel — who sacrifice time with their own families to serve others.
As pre-polling resumes after Easter ahead of the May 3 election, both leaders have paused for a rare moment of national reflection, reminding Australians of the values that unite rather than divide.
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