Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has offered an upbeat message to Australians on New Year's Day, urging Aussies to work hard to take advantage of big opportunities in 2017.
In the message, Turnbull wished everyone a year filled with peace and love, while reiterating the importance national and economic security.
"We can be very proud of how much we've achieved," Turnbull said in the message posted on YouTube.
"In 2017 we'll continue to work hard to ensure that all Australians are able to weather the economic challenges the world presents and seize the opportunities that technology and the rapid growth in our region offer."
He also said "those who have sought to divide us have failed just as those who try to divide us in the future will fail".
Meanwhile, opposition leader Bill Shorten issued a message that focused on the troubles Australians faced in 2016, including domestic violence and joblessness.
"As a nation, we witnessed unhappiness far too often," he said.
The Labor leader pledged to work in issues that were of concern to millions of Australians.
"As we look ahead to the challenges of 2017, it is clear that too many people are feeling left out and left behind," Shorten said.