TONY Abbott’s new year video message has sparked debate on social media, after he said he is optimistic about what 2015 will bring politically.

Mr Abbott acknowledges every year has tough times but he is optimistic about what 2015 will bring.

His government achieved much in 2014 despite the challenges, the prime minister said in a new year’s video message posted online.

“We should feel confident about our country and its prospects,” he said.

Australians would face any challenges in 2015 in the way they always have.

“We will turn to each other, we will work together and we will make whatever decisions are needed to strengthen our country and its people,” Mr Abbott said.

After describing Australia as “a beacon of hope and opportunity, he said: “To be an Australian is to win the lottery of life and this is the foundation of our optimism as we enter 2015.”

He stated that Australians will be better off from the “scrapping of bad taxes, the cutting of red tape and the free trade agreements that have been finalised”.

Mr Abbott also referred to the government’s Economic Action Strategy, which is “laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Australia”.

But the message got a mixed review from voters who expressed their reactions on social media.

On Mr Abbott’s official Facebook page, some supported the Prime Minister while others criticised him.

One person wrote: “You mean HOW are you going to stick it up the Australian people? You are soo out of touch with the ordinary man in the street and its not even YOU posting this on your site!!!”

One of his supporters posted: “Never thought I would say it..I personally think you have done well..keep it up.”

Another said: “I believe you Tony but now you have to convince the population. Labor is outsmarting you by saturation. The minds of the people and journalists are being fed with emotional repetitive fear mongering expressions, and that must be turned around. Do the same thing but reverse the fears being fed to the gullible.”

On Twitter Derryn Hinch tweeted his view.

Why couldn’t Tony Abbott send a sincere New Year’s message that encompassed all Australians? Instead of a political message? — Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) December 31, 2014

Others tweeted:

"Tony Abbott's new year message for 2015 - video http://t.co/ZLjLAn6pkC" Gee, thanks Tony - I'm a lottery-of-life winner 😝 — Peter (@PeterMaddern55) January 1, 2015

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also reflected on the resilience of Australians, saying they had refused to give in to adversity, or surrender to ignorance and intolerance.

His message was also posted to his Facebook page, where one supporter wrote: “Happy new year to all in the Labor party. Keep fighting for the rights of pensioners, unemployed disabled and the working class of Australia. Don’t let the lying liberals win. We are counting on you.”

The 2015 centenary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli should be a reminder that Australia’s best hope has always been its people, he said.

Mr Abbott said those commemorations would be the most significant in a generation.

“In remembering the Anzacs’ sacrifice, we will draw on our own strength and confidence for the future,” he said.

Looking forward, Mr Shorten hoped agreement could be reached by the end of 2015 on how to recognise indigenous Australians in the constitution.

There is bipartisan consensus on the importance of holding a successful referendum on the issue, but the question of how to do it is yet to be answered.

“This is the challenge of our generation and one we cannot abdicate,” Mr Shorten said.

Both leaders pledged to build on their political work of the past 12 months.

The Abbott government’s 2015 priorities echoed its promises at the 2013 election: create more jobs, reduce costs for families, build roads, strengthen national security and create opportunity for all.

Mr Shorten promised Labor would continue listening to people and talk about its vision for the future.

What do you think of Tony Abbott and Bill Shorten’s New Year messages? Tell us below.