Source : Perth Now news
The nation’s politicians, journalists, staffers and lobbyists have dressed up to let their hair down at the annual Midwinter Ball.
The “Canberra Bubble” was the theme at Parliament’s Great Hall for Wednesday night’s event, which was hosted by the press gallery.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wore a black tuxedo on Wednesday night while his wife Jodie Haydon donned a black “Sofia” floral maxi dress lent by contemporary Australian designer Leo Lin.
The dress is from the label’s current pre-fall collection, featuring airy sleeves, intricate hand-embellishments and a vibrant floral and fruit print.
For Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, it might be the case of dressing for the job he wants, as he donned the same look as the prime minister standing alongside wife Louise Clegg.
Labor MP Josh Burns also turned up in a black tuxedo, except with a white bow-tie, but it was his partner Victorian Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell who stole the limelight wearing a black gown with the words, “Defund dog racing” imposed over a cross and paired with gold boots.
Opposition social services and NDIS spokeswoman Melissa McIntosh descended the parliament foyer’s marble stairs in a red embroidered dress, flanked by her sons Byron and Coby.
Small Business Minister Anne Aly channelled her Egyptian ancestry with a crocheted dress paired with an Egyptian-style necklace and bracelet.
Opting for the sleek look, opposition communications spokeswoman Sarah Henderson highlighted her velvet gown with a dazzling silver brooch, bag and shoes.
The founders of the nation’s newest political movement, Community Strong Australia, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall arrived alongside their independent colleagues Kate Chaney, Monique Ryan, Sophie Scamps and Nicolette Boele.
Among a sea of black tuxedos, Jamie King, the husband of Resources Minister Madeleine King, opted for a look more inspired by his heritage, donning a a red kilt alongside Ms King in a feathery black dress.
While the event is kept strictly off-the-record, the prime minister and opposition leader typically make their best attempt at comedy in generally self-deprecating speeches.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor had a high bar to clear, with his predecessor Sussan Ley’s 2025 address to the ball seen in political circles as one of her best public outings.
Among the scheduled entertainment was Canberra comedian Chris Ryan, 2026 Australian Idol runner-up Harlan and local covers band Smooth Ops, which advertises events packages from $4000 on its website.
In 2025, the event raised a record $370,000 for charities including Share the Dignity, Indigenous Reading Project, St John Youth, Are You Bogged Mate?, YWCA Canberra, Alcohol & Drug Foundation and the Terry Campese Foundation.
