2026 Midwinter Ball: Political statements make an entrance
Emma KirkNewsWire
Louise Clegg and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
A Victorian MP has made a grand entrance at Federal Parliament for the Midwinter Ball.
Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell wore a dress stating “Defund dog racing” as she made her way into the Main Hall at Parliament House for the exclusive event on Wednesday night.Canberra’s movers and shakers dressed to impress as the political, media and business worlds united for the annual event.
Laura Chalmers and Treasurer Jim Chalmers arrive at Parliament House for the Press Gallery Midwinter Ball. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Louise Clegg and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaJosh Burns and Georgie Purcell make a statement to ‘defund dog racing’ as they enter the Midwinter Ball at Parliament House. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaJodie Haydon and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
The event has raised more than $5m for charities since it began in 2000 and is held in the Main Hall at Parliament House in Canberra.
Senior members of all federal parliamentary parties attend the event, including the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, as well as corporate heads and press gallery journalists.
This year, politicians are auctioning their time to raise money for charities.
Minister for International Development and Minister for Small Business Anne Aly and David Lines. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaMPs Jane Hume and Anne Ruston. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Tanya Plibersek MP and partner Michael Coutts-Trotter. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaMinister for Communications and Sport Anika Wells. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Guests can bid on everything from a game of tennis with the PM at the Lodge, to a floating sauna and cold plunge with Senator David Pocock.
Bids were already peaking in the thousands of dollars to spend one-on-one time with the nation’s leaders.
Sarah Hanson-Young arrives at the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid-Winter Ball at Parliament House. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaMichelle Rowland and Michael Chaaya. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaMinister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Daniela Ritorto. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaKaty Gallagher and daughter Evie. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Melissa McIntosh MP arrives with sons Coby and Byron. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
The exclusive event is restricted to 640 partygoers.
Jessica Mauboy, David Campbell, Grace Knight, Mental as Anything, Roy and HG, and Jean Kittson have entertained guests in the past.
This year, politicians are auctioning their time to raise money for charities.
Labor Senators at the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid-Winter Ball at Parliament House. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp AustraliaThe Teals arrive at the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid-Winter Ball at Parliament House. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
