Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten wants everyone to spare a thought for those working during Christmas, as they're the ones who keep people safe over the holidays.
He served food at a community Christmas lunch in Sunshine in Melbourne's inner west and said Labor would continue the push against any cuts to penalty rates.
"I'd like to spare a thought for everyone who's working," Mr Shorten told reporters on Friday.
"Our police, our emergency services, our SES, our firefighters and ambulance.
"People who get penalty rates are not well paid in this country.
"Yet when you're in need, they're the people we need to work for us at those unsociable hours."
Mr Shorten also wished Australians serving in the armed forces overseas a happy and safe Christmas.
And under the tree this year? "I get books and I think there was a selfie stick," he said.
"The best thing though is the presents for our kids."
The opposition leader was at a lunch organised by community worker Les Twentyman, with Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge and former Test cricketer Merv Hughes also serving food.
The event provided hundreds of children from Melbourne's west with food and presents from Santa.
"There's nothing more human than a parent wanting to give a child a lovely Christmas Day," Mr Shorten said.
