Camera IconNot Supplied 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.

Camera IconLaura Chalmers and Treasurer Jim Chalmers arrive at Parliament House for the Press Gallery Midwinter Ball. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconLouise Clegg and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconJosh 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 Australia
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Camera IconJodie 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.

Camera IconMinister for International Development and Minister for Small Business Anne Aly and David Lines. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconMPs Jane Hume and Anne Ruston. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconTanya Plibersek MP and partner Michael Coutts-Trotter. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconMinister 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.

Camera IconSarah Hanson-Young arrives at the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid-Winter Ball at Parliament House. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconMichelle Rowland and Michael Chaaya. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconMinister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Daniela Ritorto. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconKaty Gallagher and daughter Evie. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconMelissa 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.

Camera IconLabor Senators at the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid-Winter Ball at Parliament House. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia
Camera IconThe Teals arrive at the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid-Winter Ball at Parliament House. NewsWire / Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia

Originally published as 2026 Midwinter Ball: Political statements make an entrance

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