Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have paused their federal election campaigns for a rare united display with their Easter addresses, a day after independent MP Bob Katter delivered a very different kind of message.
Both the prime minister and opposition leader issued Easter messages during the holiday weekend after a busy three weeks of campaigning ahead of the federal election.
"Whether you're reflecting, taking a break, spending time with family and friends or getting the kids ready for an Easter egg hunt, this is a wonderful time of the year," the PM said today.
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"So however you're spending this weekend, may it be everything you want it to be."
Albanese also thanked those working hard across the long weekend, including the country's first responders.
"If you're working, whether you're keeping us safe or playing your part in keeping our great country running, thank you for all that you do," he added.
Dutton, meanwhile, labelled Easter a time for "reflection" on the ties that "bind our nation together".
The opposition leader said he'd be joining millions of other Aussies in taking "time to rest, recharge and spend time with those we love".
Dutton's message comes after spending yesterday meeting voters at the Sydney Easter Show with his wife Kirilly, where Albanese also visited.
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"The Easter story is one of faith, renewal and enduring hope," Dutton said in his message released today.
"Whether you're attending a church service, hosting a family lunch, or enjoying a quiet moment with a hot cross bun and a cup of tea, Easter also reminds us of the values that help bind our nation together – service, kindness, compassion and grace."
The 54-year-old spoke about indulging in fun times across the holiday weekend, before thanking those who are giving up time with their own families to help others.
"There's plenty to look forward to this weekend – from chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny, to a few games of footy and the joy of watching the kids race around the backyard," he said.
"Thank you to all those working through the weekend – especially our paramedics, nurses, police, firefighters and defence personnel – who give up time with their own families to serve others."
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The message of hope and compassion comes a day after Dutton's Arana Hills electorate office, north-west of Brisbane, was vandalised.
Queensland Police are investigating after the words "maggot" and "scum" were written in black paint across the outside the Dickson MP's office.
Pre-polling in the May 3 election begins as soon as the Easter break ends, opening on Tuesday.
Katter takes aim at supermarkets in Easter address
Independent MP Bob Katter took aim at the supermarket giants in an Easter message of his own, shared to Instagram yesterday.
Katter began his video by reminding followers of the religious aspect of the Easter holiday – but then launched straight into a tirade about Coles and Woolworths.
"It's Easter time, guess who's making all the money? Woolworths and Coles," he said.
"We had a beautiful little pop-out, a nativity scene of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the stable, and we gave it out to all the supermarkets in Cairns, and all the independents all put it up, and Woolworths and Coles refused to put it up."
"So I'll tell you what happened to the money changers in the temple," Katter added.
"They burnt in hell, and there's a message for the likes of Woolworths and Coles."
The politician expanded on his message in the caption, claiming the supermarkets refused to display his religious paraphernalia.
"Woolworths and Coles will very happily make squillions from Easter and Christmas but do you think they'd dare acknowledge the reason for the season?" he continued.
"Sounds a lot to me like the bankers and money changers in the temple."
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