A Labor Senator chose a daring number for Canberra’s most glamourous night, as the nation’s politicians got dressed to the nines for the Midwinter Ball.
Politicians and journalists have gathered in Canberra for the annual Midwinter Ball with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese making a cheeky jab at the media for organising the event on the same night as State of Origin’s second game.
Labor Senator Jana Stewart donned a “Yes” Voice to Parliament dress designed by Indigenous retailer Clothing the Gap, in a bold statement of support for the referendum later this year.
At 36, she is the youngest Indigenous woman to be elected to federal parliament and the first Aboriginal Labor Senator for Victoria.
Senator Jana Stewart wore a bespoke gown by Indigenous fashion label Clothing The Gap embroidered with the Uluru Statement from the Heart urging people to vote Yes in the referendum. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
A close up of Senator Stewart’s dress. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
The yearly ball raises thousands of dollars for charity and is a key event in the Canberra calendar.
A total of $350,000 was raised at last year’s event, with proceeds split between Rural Aid Australia, OzHarvest, Fearless Women, Roundabout Canberra, Pink Elephants and Ukraine, Ukrainian Crisis Appeal.
Resources Minister Madeleine King dressed for the Canberra chill in a sleek black dress complete with a fluffy bolero, while husband Jamie King opted for a full Scottish kilt.
Australian Resource Minister Madeleine King and husband Jamie King dressed for the weather. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Fowler MP Dai Le paid homage to her Vietnamese heritage in a traditional Áo dài dress in a stunning red colour, paired with a red lip and a sleek bob.
Black seemed to be the colour of choice for the night, with Clare O’Neil, Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong all opting for the muted hue.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers looked smart in a black suit and tie, while his wife Laura cut a different figure in a bright floral printed dress.
Dai Le wore a traditional Vietnamese dress. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security, opted for a pared back look. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and wife Laura Anderson put their best feet forward for the event. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
PM Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon went matching in black. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles brought his daughter Isabella along, who opted for a $895 pink gown by Australian designer Aje.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young wore a shimmery brown number and attended with her husband, the Australia Institute’s Ben Oquist.
Pauline Hanson was one of the only women to don a suit for the evening, choosing a sharp black number paired with a soft yellow camisole.
Bowties were also a hot choice for the event, with Aged Care Minister Annika Wells’ husband Finn McGrath opting for a funky printed bowtie, which matched nicely with his wife’s pale blue cloud printed gown.
Senator Penny Wong and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles with his daughter Isabella. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and husband Ben Oquist wore their finest for the evening. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Pauline Hanson wore a smart black suit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Australian Aged Care Minister Anika Wells and husband Finn McGrath were also among the attendees. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman