Midwinter Ball 2018: Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion absent

Canberra’s most-discussed couple have kept well away from the spring time Midwinter Ball. Tonight is all about Scott Morrison.

Would Barnaby Joyce descend the stairs of Parliament House’s Marble Foyer with a whip in one hand and his partner Vikki Campion in the other, their newborn strapped, defiantly, to his chest in one of those ergo-baby carrier things?

Er, no.

Canberra’s most-discussed couple have kept well away from tonight’s spring time Midwinter Ball, the political class’s social night of the year

Tonight is all about Scott Morrison. Who would pay the most to eat the new PM’s curry at Kirribilli House, the culinary ­opportunity a late addition to the night’s auction?

And could this possibly be anything but his last Midwinter Ball as PM, as well as his first?

In an indication of the business community’s judgment, there were few corporate bigwigs along — outside, that is, of media executive land.

Bravely, Westpac boss Brian Hartzer — the only big four boss in the country to be unapologetic about his job running a bank — turned up for the black tie event in a cherry blossom-decorated Great Hall. Telstra boss Andy Penn — like Hartzer a sponsor — was also along and caught up for a pre-­dinner drink with his new hire ­Michael Ebeid, the departing boss of SBS.

The ABC was shrewd in its table guest selection. Joining Aunty’s chairman Justin Milne and managing director Michelle Guthrie was Michelle Rowland, the would-be communications minister in a Shorten government and, consequently, the hope of ­Ultimo. Rowland’s husband Michael was along.

“It’s our 20th wedding anniversary,” she told Margin Call.

What better way to celebrate it than surrounded by journalists in Canberra on a table with movie star Sam Neill, the guest of Aunty’s Laura Tingle?

Fairfax’s endangered executive class made the most of the opportunity to schmooze with their ­impending corporate overlord Hugh Marks, while the departing Greg Hywood looked as relaxed as we’ve even seen him. A golden handshake will do that to you.

Pointedly, Kerry Stokes’s Seven West Media kept well away.

The Seven billionaire is close to Julie Bishop, who in recent weeks became the former foreign minister while Seven’s commercial ­director Bruce McWilliam is famously close to Malcolm Turnbull, who, you might remember, in recent weeks became the former prime minister.

The federal Liberals best not budget on any donations from that pocket of corporate Australia ahead of their impending date with Australia’s voters.

THE NIGHT IN PICTURES

Our current PM Scott Morrison and his wife Jennifer. Picture: Gary Ramage

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten with his wife Chloe, along with Scott Morrison and his wife Jennifer. Picture: Gary Ramage

Jurassic Park star Sam Neill, who is perhaps pretending to be a dinosaur. Picture: Gary Ramage

Liberal MP Sarah Henderson. Picture: Gary Ramage

Labor MP Anthony Albanese with his wife Carmel Tebbutt. Picture: Gary Ramage

Sky News presenter Peta Credlin and husband Brian Loughnane. Picture: Gary Ramage

Tim Wilson with husband Ryan Bolger. Picture: Gary Ramage

Ed Husic and his wife Bridget Tilley. Picture: Gary Ramage