• The Australian and Queensland Governments have announced new support measures to boost disaster recovery and resilience operations in South East Queensland.
• The exceptional circumstances assistance is jointly funded through Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and comes in the wake of some of the worst storms SEQ has ever experienced.
• Additional grants for small businesses, farmers and non-profit organisations also activated for SEQ.

The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help South East Q

DAVID ILIFFE, HOST: Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, good morning.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Good to be with you, David.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: This is an extraordinary legacy that has assisted more than 120,000 families that are dealing with breast cancer. The nurses provide that support so that no one feels as though they're alone during what can be a difficult time for cancer sufferers, but also for family members. Of course, all Australians will have been impacted directly or indirectly. We all know someone who has suffered from breast cancer.

Recognising the broad consensus as expressed by 44 countries around the world on December 19, 2023, as well as the statement by the UN Security Council on December 1, 2023, condemning Houthi attacks against commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, and in light of ongoing attacks, including a significant escalation over the past week targeting commercial vessels, with missiles, small boats, and attempted hijackings.

We hereby reiterate the following and warn the Houthis against further attacks:

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Happy New Year everyone. In 2024 I'm very positive as we enter the new year. And later this morning I will be attending briefly the beginning of David Warner's last test match at the SCG. And I do hope, if it hasn't happened already, whoever knows anything about the missing caps - David Warner has represented Australia on more than one hundred occasions. The baggy green caps belong to him. He has earnt them and they should be returned.

The thoughts of Australians are with the people of Japan at this difficult time. We are saddened to see the loss of life and destruction following yesterday’s earthquakes. As close friends, we stand ready to support Japan to provide any necessary assistance”.

Happy New Year Australia.

I hope you’ve had the chance to celebrate with friends and loved ones.

There’s no doubt 2023 was a challenging year.

Yet, right around our country, Australians rose to meet those challenges – as they always do.

We achieved a great deal as a nation – and we achieved it together.

That is the Australian spirit.

In these times of global uncertainty, it’s worth reflecting on what we have as a nation.

We are a people of optimism, determination and, above all, fairness.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Well, it is wonderful to be here with Bill Crews at the Exodus Foundation in the heartland of the Inner West of Sydney. Today, about 4,000 people will receive meals on Christmas Day. But also, hundreds of children will receive presents. This is an amazing event that I've been coming to for two decades now. And it's incredibly uplifting. This is the spirit of Christmas, right here in Ashfield. And I do want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and all the best for 2024.

I’d like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.

For so many Australians, this is a chance to rest.

To spend time with our family, catch-up with friends, and to cherish the memories of those no longer with us.

And for Christians, this is a holy time.

In this time of celebration and reflection, we express our gratitude to everyone who’s giving up their Christmas for the sake of others.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I just want to thank all of the businesses, tourism operators, local government, people who met with us here today to talk firsthand and inform us about the challenges ahead for this community. Which though I have great confidence that the people and businesses of tropical North Queensland will not only survive, they'll thrive into the future. The resilience that we've seen from communities in places like Holloways Beach this morning was quite extraordinary.