Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading

'Time of joy': PM offers Easter message of goodwill

The prime minister and church leaders have delivered messages for Easter. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

Stepping aside from the cut and thrust of politics, Anthony Albanese has delivered a brief Easter message of goodwill to Australians.

Acknowledging the spiritual significance of the holiday for many, the prime minister said Christians across the nation were no doubt contemplating the resurrection of Christ and celebrating their faith.

"This is a time of reflection and a time of joy," he said.

"Hopefully you're catching up with family and friends and maybe helping kids enjoy the fun of an Easter egg hunt in a backyard.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Easter is a time of reflection and a time of joy, Anthony Albanese says in his message. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

If you're having a break this weekend, please drive safely and if you're working, thank you for all that you do.

"I wish you all a wonderful Easter."

On a more sombre note, Sydney's Anglican archbishop, Kanishka Raffel, has used the occasion to issue a timely warning against relying on artificial intelligence for spiritual direction.

Instead of consulting an online bible for answers, Australians need to look to the "authentic intelligence" of Easter's message, he said.

"At Easter we celebrate something infinitely greater: God speaking to us in person."

Life's deepest questions require a divine response, the archbishop said.

"Some questions only God can answer."

Easter is not the story of the strong helping themselves or of violence, terror or war but the story of love, says Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher.

"You are not alone. Christ is with you," he said.

"Rise with Him this Easter!"

Easter chocolates at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne
One in 10 of people surveyed expect to gorge on up to 4kg of chocolate over Easter. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Some 45 per cent of Australians are, meanwhile, expected to eat a kilogram or more of chocolate and seasonal treats over the four-day weekend.

One in 10 of more than a thousand people surveyed by food tracking app MyFitnessPal said they expected to consume up to four times that amount.

Despite increased indulgence, more than three-quarters of recipients said they had no plans to follow a post-Easter diet.

Lifesaving and road safety authorities have also issued pleas for everyone to be prepared and alert while in the water or travelling.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.