In a landmark event for Australian leadership, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married Jodie Haydon in an intimate ceremony at The Lodge. This union makes Albanese the first-ever Australian Prime Minister to get married while in office. The wedding took place on Saturday afternoon, immediately after the conclusion of the Australian Parliament’s final sitting day for 2025.
The ceremony and subsequent reception were held at The Lodge, the Prime Minister’s official home in Canberra. The event was kept private, with only a select group of family and friends present, including Albanese’s son, Nathan, and Haydon’s parents. The Prime Minister’s office maintained a focus on the personal nature of the celebration.
The couple’s shared history dates back five years, starting with a mutual passion for rugby league. Their first encounter was at a 2019 Melbourne event, where Haydon’s enthusiastic shout of support for the South Sydney Rabbitohs impressed Albanese. Their relationship developed further through social media.
Albanese had proposed to Haydon in February 2024, presenting her with a unique engagement ring he had designed himself. Jodie Haydon, who works for the NSW Public Service Association and has experience in superannuation, has been a supportive partner, notably serving as chief patron for the National Portrait Gallery. She has previously praised Albanese for his compassionate nature and respect for her independence.
Security was a key consideration for the event, with measures in place due to recent threats against the Prime Minister. The Lodge, a historic Australian residence built in 1927, has hosted numerous Prime Ministers. This marriage represents a new chapter for Albanese, his second, and a first for Jodie Haydon.