Global InformationSpouse or partner of the prime minister of Australia information
| Partner of the Prime Minister of Australia | |
|---|---|
 Jodie Haydon since 23 May 2022 | |
| Residence | The Lodge (primary) Kirribilli House (secondary) |
| Inaugural holder | Jane Barton |
| Formation | 1 January 1901 |
The spouse of the prime minister of Australia is generally a high-profile individual who assists the Australian prime minister with ceremonial duties as well as performing various other functions. The position is known as the partner of the prime minister of Australia when the prime minister is unmarried but is in a relationship.
With a few exceptions, the prime minister's spouse has been a public figure and the subject of media interest. Most have used the position to promote charitable causes. By convention, the spouse of the prime minister serves as the host of The Lodge and Kirribilli House, the official residences of the prime minister, and also assists the prime minister in welcoming foreign dignitaries to Parliament House and various other locations during ceremonial events. However, the position is unpaid and there are no official responsibilities.
Spouses often assist the prime minister at campaign events. However, only two prime ministers' spouses have held public office in their own right – Enid Lyons became the first woman elected to the House of Representatives several years after her husband's death in office, while Lucy Turnbull was Lord Mayor of Sydney over a decade before her husband became prime minister. Ethel Page held senior offices in the organisational wing of the Country Party.
The current prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is the first divorcee to be appointed.[1] He and his partner, Jodie Haydon,[2][3][4] who lives in her own home in Sydney,[5][6] became engaged on Valentine's Day, 2024.[7]
All prime ministers except John McEwen, Julia Gillard and Albanese were married for the duration of their term in office. McEwen was a widower during his short term; Gillard was in a domestic partnership with Tim Mathieson.
Until the 1960s, it was uncommon for the spouse of a prime minister to have their own career. Zara Holt, a fashion designer, was the first to continue her career during her husband's term in office, and reputedly earned more money than him. Other businesswomen to hold the position have included Thérèse Rein, who ran an employment services company, and Margie Abbott, who ran a childcare centre. Bettina Gorton was an academic who lectured part-time at the Australian National University.
- ^ "How Jodie Haydon met Anthony Albanese". News.com.au. 23 May 2022. Archived from the original on 12 June 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ Curtis, Katina (28 June 2022). "Albanese's partner steps onto international stage in Madrid". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Albanese, partner join Spanish royalty". 7NEWS. 29 June 2022. Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Moment Anthony Albanese's partner Jodie Haydon 'overwhelmed' with fear". news.com.au. 10 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "After a shock split from his wife, Anthony Albanese has finally moved on". New Idea. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ Curtis, Katina (28 June 2022). "Albanese's partner steps onto international stage in Madrid". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ Roberts, Georgia (15 February 2024). "Prime Minister Anthony Albanese engaged to partner Jodie Haydon". ABC News. Retrieved 15 February 2024.