Glammed-up politicians, corporate elites and journalists have descended on Parliament House for Canberra’s night of nights to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiance Jodie Haydon are among the high-profile attendees of the annual Midwinter Ball on Wednesday night with one anonymous person bidding more than $25,000 as part of the charity auction to have a meal with the pair. The ball started with all eyes on which fashion labels were being worn.
Ms Haydon graced the marble foyer in a black sequin gown on arrival. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. WA Labor MP Anne Aly stole the show in a statement piece she crocheted as a tribute to remember women lost to domestic violence.
The black crochet dress is covered with a colourful riot of flowers with every bloom different, each representing one of the 64 women killed last year at the hands of violent partners. Greens Leader Larissa Waters arrived wearing “pro choice” earrings, while WA Senator Dorinda Cox added a “truth & justice now” clutch bag. Since 2022, the nation’s leaders and their partners have used the event to promote their political views.
Two years ago, the ball was notable for the anti-coal and gas messages adorning the gowns of Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Claudia Perkins, partner of the party’s leader Adam Bandt. Last year, Labor senator Jana Stewart used fashion to raise awareness of t.
