The ACT Government announced on Wednesday that the 2026 Midwinter Ball will not proceed after the Prime Minister stopped his participation. The decision follows after a live on camera demand by an MP to slash the budget, which prompted a sudden security overhaul at the event.
Guests were made up of politicians and journalists. Photos published after the cancelled ball displayed Canberra’s elite in evening wear. A Channel 9 transcript aired the next morning described the enhanced security and captured reactions from attendees.