Pauline Hanson to Skip 2026 Midwinter Ball, Barnaby Joyce Expected to Attend
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson has confirmed she will not attend the 2026 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, though party recruit Barnaby Joyce is expected to be present.
The annual event, hosted by the Parliamentary Press Gallery, is set for July 1 at Parliament House's Great Hall.
Senator Hanson's absence adds her name to a growing list of high-profile politicians skipping the ball, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, Transport Minister Catherine King, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, former industry minister Ed Husic and his chief of staff Fiona Scott, and Liberal Party federal president Tony Abbott.
Tickets for the event are priced at $150 for press gallery members and $200 for politicians and staff.
The evening's entertainment will be provided by musician Harlan and band Smooth Ops, with comedian Chris Ryan serving as MC.
A silent auction will feature several notable items:
- A tennis session with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (top bid currently at $5000)
- A dinner with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and deputy Jane Hume
- A sauna session with Senator David Pocock
- Dinner with journalists at the National Press Club
- International business class airfares from Qantas
- Two tickets to the AFL grand final
In other news: Xavier College Appoints New Principal
Xavier College has appointed John Frare as its new principal, starting in January 2027. Frare previously played 17 NRL games for the Parramatta Eels from 1994 to 1995 and also represented Italy in rugby league. He comes to the role from Assisi Catholic College in Upper Coomera, Queensland.