2026 Midwinter Ball: Political statements make an entrance
Canberra’s political elite have donned their finest garb for the exclusive Midwinter Ball, with one MP using their dress to make a bold statement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
