Outspoken MP’s bold statement at ball

The party room was swapped for the ballroom as leaders and influential guests gathered for Canberra’s event of the season.

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

Black was a popular choice for the night, but some took the opportunity to make a statement through their frocks.

Lidia Thorpe chose an eye-catching outfit for the evening, wearing an edgy gown stamped with pro-Palestine messaging.

“From the river to the sea,” her dress, which had pink trimming at the bottom, read.

She accessorised with a strong eye look and a handbag which said “Love Harder”, in tune with the theme “Love is in the Air”.

A new match went public for the first time at the glitzy event, with Georgie Purcell and Josh Burns stepping out for their first public appearance as a couple.

The pair have known each other for years, but their union has surprised many because of their opposing stance on the conflict in the Middle East.

Despite their differences, the Victorian Animal Justice MP and the Jewish Labor MP hard-launched their relationship, attending the ball both wearing black.

Pictured arm-in-arm, Ms Purcell wore a dazzling in a strapless black gown, while Mr Burns wore a classic black suit, white shirt and pruple bow tie, matching Ms Purcell’s bold purple shoes.

Ms Pursell accessorised with gold statement earrings and a gold chain necklace, with her short blonde bob swept back.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese beamed walking hand-in-hand with fiancee Jodie Haydon.

Ms Haydon worked with Melbourne designer Lucy Laurita to repurpose her black sequined 2022 dress, with images showing Ms haydon sparkling in the floor-length black gown.

She paired the dress with a bold eye look and a fierce red lipstick.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and wife Laura Chalmers were beaming as they entered the Great Hall.

Mr Chalmers also cut a classic look with a black suit and tie, while Mrs Chalmers wore a stunning blue Rebecca Vallance dress with gold embroidery.

MP Bill Shorten was also pictured in a classic black suit and tie, entering the event alongside his daughter Georgette Shorten who wore a low-cut shiny dress.

On Wednesday night, some of the most high profile politicians in the country lit up the red carpet with their partners, donning black tie gowns created by Australian designers.

Black was a popular choice for the night, but some took the opportunity to make a statement through their frocks.

Maverick MP Bob Katter, who has been given the rare honour of having a portrait commissioned in his honour, attended wearing a maroon scarf over his black suit and bowtie.

Some attendees decided to make a statement with their pieces, with Greens senator Dorinda Cox sporting a clutch handbag which reads “Truth and Justice Now”.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Greens in the Senate Larissa Waters wore statement earrings with the phrase “Pro Choice”.

Also making a statement was indpendent senator Lidia Thorpe, in an edgy white dress which reads: “From the river to the sea Palestine will be free”.

The bottom of her dress has a pink lining, while she sports a bag with the phrase “love harder”.

Among those who steered away from black is Minister for Youth of Australia Anne Aly, who wore a bright floral crocheted number.

But the back of her dress made more of a statement, reading: “End Violence against Women. 63 WOMEN” in reference to the amount of women killed in Australia at so far this year.

Minister for Sport Anika Wells also veered away from the black, sporting a silky champagne-coloured gown.

Senator Jacqui Lambie is set to turn heads with a stunning blue number, decked out with beading and feathers and accessorised with silver jewellery and a bold smokey-eye look.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was among those who cut a classic look in a suit, but wife Kirilly Dutton stood out in a pink flowy dress, in addition to silver accessories.

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 more than $5m for charities such as Dolly’s Dream, Feel the Magic, Butterfly Foundation, Project Independence, ACT Wildlife, The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation, Bosom Buddies, Arthritis ACT and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Attendees can bid on multiple items, including a dinner with the PM and Ms Haydon, with the highest bid sitting at $25,432 on Wednesday afternoon.

“A rare opportunity to share a meal with the nation’s ‘first couple’ – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon – at The Lodge or Kirribilli House. Generous hospitality is guaranteed for up to four guests,” the bidding website reads.

A dinner with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton went for $12,000.

“A wonderful opportunity to be at the dining table with the Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton together with 2 of his colleagues,” the website says.

“The prize, for 3 people, will be located in one of Canberra’s finest restaurants.”