Qantas boss Alan Joyce marries long-term partner Shane Lloyd
Described as a ‘long-time coming’ by friends, Qantas boss Alan Joyce and Shane Lloyd have tied the knot in front of 120 friends and family in a ceremony overlooking Darling Harbour.
NSW
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Qantas boss and same-sex marriage advocate Alan Joyce has married his long-term partner Shane Lloyd at a ceremony overlooking Darling Harbour.
The airline boss tied the knot in front of 120 family, friends and high profile business people, including former Governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove gifted Joyce a framed picture of the Governor-general signing the marriage equality bill into law, which was mentioned by Joyce in his speech as “very fitting and special”.
Joyce’s brother Anthony never thought he’d see the Qantas boss’ nuptials.
“It’s a really exciting day, one that I never thought would happen,” Anthony Joyce said.
“(Alan) was best man at my wedding 20 years ago and he embarrassed the hell out of me, so it’s payback time.”
It was Sir Peter Cosgrove’s idea to gift Alan and Shane the framed marriage equality legislation.
“On December 8, 2017, I signed one of the biggest pieces of legislation of modern times,” Sir Cosgrove said.
“I normally signed every piece of legislation in my office, even important bills, but I decided to make a big deal of that one.
“I had the prime minister and lawyer present me with the bill to sign.
“I thought Alan and Shane would appreciate a memento of something so important to gay Australians.”
Melbourne-based Anthony was joined by his wife Davida, and their children Luke, 19, Laura, 17, and Eabha, 14.
Another brother Maurice Joyce flew in from Ireland on Wednesday for the auspicious occasion.
“It’s a particularly special day given Alan fought for the right to get married,” Morris said.
“I spoke (Alan) this morning and he wasn’t nervous, he’s always cool.”
NSW MP Alex Greenwich paid tribute to Joyce’s influence winning the same-sex marriage vote.
“We wouldn’t have marriage equality without Alan and Shane’s leadership,” Mr Greenwich said.
“It’s great to see them celebrate something they made possible for so many.”
Joyce arrived at the harbourside soiree wearing a suit designed by Martin Grant, who decked out Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle on her Australian tour last year.
Jetstar boss Gareth Evans and his wife Tash arrived ready to party.
“It’s going to be fun, that’s for sure, it will be a great night,” Mr Evans said.
The Qantas board and key executives were in attendance, including chairman Richard Goyder, former chairman Leigh Clifford and former Jetstar CEO Jayne Hrdlicka.
Other notable attendees included former US ambassador to Australia John Berry, Optus chairman Paul O’Sullivan and former SBS managing director turned Telstra executive Michael Ebeid.
Mr Ebeid spoke at the wedding about “what a wonderful couple they are”.
Former David Jones CEO Paul Zahra arrived with his partner Duncan Peerman.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the nuptials,” Mr Zahra said.
“It certainly has been a long time coming.”
Political commentator and Labor heavyweight Graham Richardson threw his 70th birthday bash, also at the MCA, on Saturday.
On his way into his party downstairs, Graham Richardson joked his birthday bash had been overshadowed.
“Alan Joyce is a far bigger star than I am, I’m running on his coat tails,” Mr Richardson said.
Mr Richardson said he felt in such good shape, he’d easily live to 100 years old.
Richardson’s event attracted plenty of star power, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle rubbed shoulders, including former NSW Premier Bob Carr, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Wentworth MP Dave Sharma.
Media bigwigs at the birthday included newspaper giant Col Allan, broadcaster Alan Jones, 60 Minutes stalwart Charles Wooley, Sylvia Jeffreys and her husband Peter Stefanovic, and Laurie Oakes.