Former union boss Paul Howes forced to defend his wife’s honour at Opera House function

FORMER union boss Paul Howes became involved in a handbag stoush at an Opera House ball when he sprang to defend the honour of his wife, Qantas executive Olivia Wirth.

Paul Howes, Australian Workers Union (AWU) National Secretary, leaves with his partner Olivia Wirth after addressing the National Press Club in Canberra today.

FORMER union boss Paul Howes became involved in a handbag stoush at a Sydney Opera House ball when he sprang to defend the honour of his Qantas executive wife Olivia Wirth.

Mr Howes, a former head of the Australian Workers’ Union, was furious at highly offensive comments made to Ms Wirth on the dance floor of The Opera Ball gala fundraiser on Saturday night. At least one handbag was swung at Mr Howes after he gave the abusive two young women a piece of his mind.

The high-flying couple then retreated to the bar as security was called.

Ms Wirth told The Daily Telegraph: “It’s a really awful experience when people feel the need to insult you in public and your husband has to defend you.”

QANTAS spokeswoman Olivia Wirth.

But that was not the end of the incident, with the young woman calling police to complain after the $750-a-head black-tie fundraiser finished after midnight on Saturday.

A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed: “Police were called to an alleged incident at the Opera House precinct early Sunday morning.

“Officers from Sydney City Local Area Command attended and spoke to a woman. As a result of that conversation no further ­investigation will be undertaken.”

Mr Howes and Ms Wirth were badly shaken up by the incident and left the event early. Ms Wirth said: “It ­ruined what was a lovely evening and we just want to put it behind us.”

Hosting the inaugural gala event was Opera Australia chairman David Mortimer.

Mr Howes was a guest on the Qantas table with his 38-year-old wife and flying kangaroo CEO Alan Joyce.

The evening, held under the Opera Theatre stage, had been going swimmingly, with King and I stars Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Lisa McCune joining the opulent event after they finished performing on the stage above.

Paul Howes and Olivia Wirth on their wedding day / Picture: Supplied

It began as a romantic night for Mr Howes and Ms Wirth, who have only been married a few months.

The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Byron Bay in May which was ­attended by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Labor leader Bill Shorten.

Earlier in the evening Mr Howes, who is now a corporate consultant, lost out in an auction bid for a private performance by the specially formed Opera Australia big band The Opera Horns.

Former union boss Paul Howes.

Then he and his wife took to the dance floor where the trouble began.

One eyewitness said: “Paul and Olivia were clearly ­shaken up by the incident. It really ruined their night.”

Opera Australia, which raised $370,000 at the event, declined to comment.

Its pre-publicity for The Opera Ball said: “Lose yourself in drama … leave real life behind”, and promised “an unforgettable” night.

The eyewitness said: ­“Unfortunately for Paul and Olivia that’s exactly what it delivered.”

Originally published as Former union boss Paul Howes forced to defend his wife’s honour at Opera House function