The annual Midwinter Ball saw Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deliver a successful address, including a joke about a hacked bank account, while Opposition Leader Angus Taylor's comedic routine was widely perceived as falling flat. The event, a traditional gathering of the country's political and media elite, featured speeches from both leaders, with guests noting a significant difference in their reception.
In a notable charity auction, mortgage broker Joseph Daoud placed a winning bid of $16,500 for a tennis match with Prime Minister Albanese at The Lodge. Daoud, a vocal critic of the government's tax policies, had recently funded a billboard campaign against what he termed the Prime Minister's "ambition tax." The auction item included the tennis match and hospitality for four guests. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher commented that the auction had raised a significant amount. A separate auction package, offering dinner with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume, garnered a lower winning bid of $5,000. An experience with ACT independent senator David Pocock at Canberra Floating Saunas sold for $3,100.
The controversy surrounding allegations of improper access to Prime Minister Albanese's banking records by a consultant from accounting firm EY was present at the event. EY's chief executive, David Larocca, withdrew from hosting the firm's table at the last minute, with other firm representatives stepping in. EY was listed as a sponsor for the event.
Several high-profile figures were absent from this year's ball. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and her parliamentary team did not attend. Barnaby Joyce, listed as a guest, also failed to appear. Matt Kean, chair of the federal government's Climate Change Authority, was also absent. Communications Minister Anika Wells' husband, Finn McCarthy, a previous attendee, was also not present.
Fashion at the event included Jodie Haydon, wife of the Prime Minister, in a loaned Leo Lin gown. Labor frontbencher Anne Aly wore a crocheted gown made from recycled cotton. Victorian upper house MP Georgie Purcell's dress featured campaign slogans related to animal welfare, while Wentworth and Community Strong Party MP Allegra Spender wore a Carla Zampatti gown from the label's latest runway collection. Teal independent Nicolette Boele highlighted her $18 op-shop gown.
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