The ACT Government confirmed on Wednesday that the 2026 Midwinter Ball will not proceed after the Prime Minister pulled out of his participation. The decision follows after a live on camera demand by an MP to slash the budget, which triggered a sudden security overhaul at the event.
Guests were made up of politicians and journalists. Photos released after the cancelled ball showed Canberra’s elite in formal attire. A Channel 9 transcript broadcast the next morning detailed the tightened security and recorded reactions from attendees.