Australia’s ‘first lady’ Jodie Haydon stuns in glittery silver ball gown at White House

In a speech to kick off a farewell state dinner in Washington DC, Mr Albanese toasted his American counterpart and gave an affectionate shout-out to his long-term partner Jodie Haydon.

“Not sure how I’m going to top this date night with Jodie at any time, in any way, in the future,” the prime minister said.

“It’s all downhill from here tonight my darling.”

Mr Albanese went on to proclaim the relationship between Australia and the United States was closer than ever and flagged stronger defence co-operation and economic endeavours in the future.

“We punch above our weight all the while drawing inspiration from our friends across the Pacific. We stand as close as we have ever been,” he said.

President Biden, who stood alongside Mr Albanese, acknowledged Australia’s historical military ties with the US while also alluding to growing tensions in the South China Sea.

“Australians have been in all the hotspots whenever the going gets tough,” Mr Biden said.

“I saw my eldest son, Major Beau Biden in the National Guard who spent a year in Iraq, who told me how he could always count on Aussies to have his back. That’s what’s always brought America and Australia together.”

“A great deal the history of our world will be written in the Indo Pacific in the coming years. Australia and the United States must, must break that story together.”

Speeches came after the prime minister and Ms Haydon joined Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden on the red carpet before the black-tie affair.

Australia’s “first lady” stunned in a Cinderella-like draped asymmetric silver tulle gown, designed by South Australian fashion label Paolo Sebastian, which was embroidered with native kookaburras and wattle flowers.

Mr Albanese opted for a slim-fit black tuxedo while he grinned alongside Mr Biden ahead of the formalities.

Australian rapper Kid Laroi and body positivity activist Tayrn Brumfitt were among the celebrities in attendance. Other notable Australian attendees include singer-songwriter Vance Joy, Macquarie Bank chief Shemara Wikramanayake, Senior Australian of the Year Tom Calma, and rugby league commission chair Peter V’landys.

Barbie star Margot Robbie and power duo Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were notably absent from the elite guest list despite circulating rumours on their attendance.

Two lead singers from iconic ’80s pop group The B-52s attended as guests after their planned performance was cut at the last minute to tone down the event out of respect to the conflict in the Middle East.

“While we had initially planned for those legendary B-52s to perform their iconic dance and party music, we are now in a time when so many are facing sorrow and pain,” Jill Biden said on Tuesday.

The major dinner came after Mr Albanese received a warm welcome during a ceremony with Mr Biden at the White House, where both leaders announced a “new era” of strategic alliance between the two countries.

A crowd of about 4000 people gathered for Mr Albanese on Wednesday. He was greeted by a marching band and a 19-gun salute.

Mr Albanese used his speech to stress the importance of Australia’s ties with the US and affirmed his goal to keep the Indo-Pacific region “free, open, prosperous and secure”.

“The relationship between Australia and the United States has never been more important – and, of course, it has never been stronger than it is right now,” he said.

“Our efforts through AUKUS are one of the many ways we are working together to deter aggression and support a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable.”

Following a day of formal talks at the White House, Mr Albanese said he was confident critical AUKUS legislation would eventually pass through.

The nuclear pact hit a set of unexpected roadblocks in US House, starting with disagreements among senior members of congress over whether Australia’s $3bn stake in the deal would be enough to support its own military ambitions.

Under the agreement, Australia will buy at least three Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines from the US before eventually producing its own.

“I’m very confident in the discussions that I’ve had with Democrats and Republicans that there is very broad support for the AUKUS arrangements, and that there will be support for the legislation going forward,” Mr Albanese said on Wednesday.

Speaking on the unfolding crisis in the Middle East, both Mr Albanese and Mr Biden said they would continue to support Israel “in the wake of Hamas’s appalling terrorist attack”.

“Mr President – we applaud the personal resolve you have brought to this troubled part of the world,” Mr Albanese said.

“You have spoken with moral clarity – and you have stood up for a simple principle. The principle is that every innocent life matters, Israeli and Palestinian.”

Following concerns the war in Israel would deter focus from security risks in the Indo-Pacific, the leaders also unveiled new initiatives that included undersea cables providing high-speed internet to the Pacific Islands and new trilateral military co-operation with Japan.