Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon have officially tied the knot in a significant private ceremony held at The Lodge in Canberra, marking a historic moment for Australia's political landscape.
From South Sydney Fans to Partners for Life
The couple's journey began unexpectedly at a Melbourne function in 2019, where Ms Haydon immediately captured the Prime Minister's attention by professing her love for his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL team. Their shared passion for the football team sparked a connection that would eventually lead to their engagement in February 2024.
Mr Albanese proposed on the balcony at The Lodge after a romantic dinner at Canberra's iconic Italian and Sons restaurant in Braddon, setting the stage for their eventual wedding at the same historic residence.
A Heartfelt Parliamentary Tribute
Just before their wedding, the Prime Minister used his end-of-year speech in Parliament to pay an emotional tribute to his then-fiancée. He praised Ms Haydon for successfully balancing her own professional career with the demands of being the Prime Minister's partner.
"This job would be so much harder to do by myself," Mr Albanese told Parliament, highlighting the crucial support Ms Haydon provides. He described her as "not a party political person" while noting she was "born Labor and will die Labor."
The Prime Minister acknowledged the unexpected public role Ms Haydon has embraced, saying she had been "thrust into a public role that she could not have expected a decade ago." He expressed gratitude for her taking leave without pay to represent Australia and for the personal support that makes his life "so much better."
International Recognition and Professional Life
Mr Albanese revealed that world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, regularly ask after Ms Haydon when he attends global events without her. "She is so well liked," he remarked, indicating her widespread popularity among international dignitaries.
Ms Haydon maintains her own professional identity, working full-time with a career spanning banking, superannuation, and unions. She currently serves as women's officer at the Public Service Association of NSW while also undertaking significant charitable roles.
Her official duties include serving as chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery, a role traditionally held by prime ministers' partners, and ambassador for children's cancer charity Redkite.
Gratitude for Support Staff and Summer Plans
In his parliamentary speech, the Prime Minister also extended thanks to his staff and Australian Federal Police security detail, acknowledging that "their job is unfortunately becoming more difficult with the rise in threats."
He expressed appreciation for the Lodge staff who maintain the premises and host important events, describing their work as diligent and essential.
Looking ahead to summer, Mr Albanese shared his anticipation for "watching Australia humiliate the English cricket team," starting with the PM's XI match at Manuka Oval on Saturday.
The wedding represents not just a personal milestone for the couple but a significant moment in Australian political history, with The Lodge serving as both the setting for their engagement and now their marriage ceremony.
