PM hails 2013 Australians Of The Year

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has thanked the four outgoing Australians of the Year for their contributions to the community.

Speaking at a morning tea event in Canberra on Saturday, Mr Abbott paid tribute to 2013 Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose, Senior Australian of the Year Professor Ian Maddocks, Young Australian of the Year Akram Azimi, and Local Hero of the Year Shane Phillips.

As they prepare to hand over their respective titles, Mr Abbott said the four were "truly outstanding".

"You have made a difference in the various fields that you work in and you will make a difference because of the awards that you have won," Mr Abbott said.

"We do not give these awards lightly. We honour people in these categories because you are truly outstanding and know that you can make a difference."

The 2014 winners will be named at a ceremony in Canberra on Saturday.