An indigenous senator has made a striking fashion statement in support of the Yes campaign for the Voice.
Labor Senator Jana Stewart, a proud Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman from northwestern Victoria, donned a dress designed by Clothing the Gaps co-founder Laura Thompson.
Senator Stewart is the youngest First Nations woman to be elected to federal parliament, and the first Aboriginal Labor Senator for Victoria.
Senior members of the government and opposition have made the effort to frock up for the night, although some – mainly from NSW and Queensland — would prefer to be watching the second State of Origin clash under way in Brisbane.
Anthony Albanese has admitted he’s one of those who’d rather watch the big rugby league clash.
Wednesday’s Midwinter Ball raises thousands of dollars for charity and is a chance for politicians and the federal press gallery to let their hair down and show off the latest Canberra fashion.
“Would you believe it or not? They say sometimes that politicians are out of touch and I understand why they sometimes say that but the media, guys, the press gallery ball is on tonight, a charity event,” he joked on Triple M this morning
“Could have been last week, it could have been next week, could have been anytime but three nights.”
The host then joked that Mr Albanese would be “like one of those blokes in a wedding watching the game on their mobile phone, strategically placed under the desk”.
Mr Albanese said “absolutely” would be doing that.
Despite the jokes, Mr Albanese suited up for the occasion.
Sporting a bow tie along with his tuxedo, Mr Albanese beamed while walking hand in hand with his partner Jodie Haydon.
Black was a popular choice for the night, but some took the opportunity to make a statement through their frocks.
Aged Care and Sport Minister Anika Wells was one of the few to break the black code, while Queensland Greens senator Larissa Waters dazzled in maroonish red.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also made an appearance, posing alongside Finance Minister Katy Gallagher at Parliament House and his wife.
Next up was Opposition leader Peter Dutton, who smiled besides wife Kirilly before heading inside.
The Midwinter ball raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for various charities each year, with $350,000 raised at last year’s event.
That was split between Rural Aid Australia, OzHarvest, Fearless Women, Roundabout Canberra, Pink Elephants and Ukraine, Ukrainian Crisis Appeal.
The independents seem intent on making a splash, with Allegra Spender and Kate Chaney arriving together, while Sydney independent Dai Le stood out in a deep red .
Pauline Hanson was one of the few women who opted for a suit, pairing it with a pale yellow top and brooch.
The event is also known as a time when politicians from all sides join together.
Independent Jacqui Lambie and Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley were spotted rubbing shoulders, posing for the cameras arm in arm.
Senator Sarah Hanson Young opted for a more muted fashion statement this year as she arrived with her partner Ben Oquist.
The Greens senator opted for a sparkly brown dress, quite different from her white frock at last year’s event that demanded an end to coal and gas projects.
She and Greens leader Adam Bandt’s wife Claudia Perkins donned the matching frocks with the message that “coal kills”.
Bob Katter brought his country Queensland style to the event, spotted with his iconic Akubra paired with a deep purple scarf and tuxedo.
Meanwhile, Karen Andrews dressed for the Canberra cold, wrapping herself in a white fur throw over a black dress with slight shimmer.