Senior politicians from across party lines gathered in Canberra on Monday for a launch of the annual Christmas tree charity drive, with gifts in 2020 supporting the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal.

"Now is a time, importantly, to send a very strong message to all Australians, from all of us, that we appreciate your great strength ... as we've got through this very difficult year," Scott Morrison said.

The prime minister was joined by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Labor frontbencher Richard Marles and Australian Greens Leader Adam Bandt.

Each showed up with gifts including sports equipment and jigsaw puzzles. Mr Morrison carried a copy of a Frankie Fish children's book, written by Australian author Peter Helliar.

Gifts donated to the parliamentary tree will be distributed to charity.

Australian Associated Press