Political and influential stars shine at Midwinter Ball

Australian politicians and special guests have frocked up for a night of glitz and glamour in the Great Hall at Parliament House.

Australian politicians, members of the media and other influential guests have dazzled at the annual Midwinter Ball, held in the Great Hall at Canberra’s Parliament House.

Described as the “premier social event on the political calendar”, the ball raises money for charity through corporate support and online auctions.

To date, the Midwinter Ball has raised over $4 million for charities such as the Luke Batty Foundation, Lifeline Australia, Rare Cancers Australia and The Fred Hollows Foundation.

PM Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon hold hands as they arrive at the Midwinter Ball at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

PM Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon arriving at the Midwinter Ball at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

On Wednesday night, some of the country’s favourite politicians lit up the red carpet with their partners, donning black tie gowns created by Australian designers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a photo of himself and girlfriend Jodie Haydon on their way to the ball.

Penny Wong, Katy Gallagher and Treasurer Jim Chalmers and wife Laura Anderson arriving at the Midwinter Ball. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Peter Dutton with his his wife Kirilly. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Nationals leader David Littleproud and partner Amelia Dobson. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Bree Coggan and Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young looked stunning in a white gown with a call to ‘end gas and coal’ printed on it.

Sharing a picture of the gown to Twitter, the Senator credited Adelaide artist Elizabeth Cahalan for the creation.

“If we are to stop the climate crisis, we need to stop new coal and gas,” she captioned the image.

Senator Hanson-Young. Picture: Twitter

Senator Hanson-Young wore a gown with a climate message. Picture: Twitter

Adam Bandt’s wife Claudia Perkin’s also wore a dress with a slogan. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In the lead-up to the event, eBay listed auctions for experiences with some of the nation’s most well-known politicians, including Prime Minister Albanese and Peter Dutton, with bidding closing at 5pm Wednesday.

In an awkward moment for the Mr Dutton, who is already battling in the popular opinion stakes, only one bid was made for his experience, with the buyer paying $5,000 going to watch a BBL game in Queensland with the Opposition Leader.

Conversely, 20 bids were made to play pool with the PM at the Lodge in Canberra, with the final bidder spending $8600.

An “intimate dinner” with the Teal Independents went for $5100 after nine bids.

Senator Jacqui Lambie. Picture: Martin Ollman/NCA NewsWire

Originally published as Political and influential stars shine at Midwinter Ball