Former Labor frontbencher Sam Dastyari praised the Chinese Communist Party's official propaganda outlet for its "incredible work" in building relations with Australia.

In a 2015 Chinese New Year message he recorded for People's Daily Online Australia, Senator Dastyari said the state-run newspaper provided a "strong voice" for Chinese Australians.

Senator Dastyari was one of many MPs to record a Chinese New Year message for the People's Daily, but appeared to be the only one to praise the newspaper directly.

"As we head into the new year, it's an important time to acknowledge the incredible contribution that Australian Chinese are marking in business, in arts and throughout the community," he said.