Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon have made history with their marriage at The Lodge on Saturday, becoming the first couple to wed while a sitting prime minister is in office. The intimate ceremony was attended by approximately 60 guests, marking a significant milestone for Australian politics.
Jodie Haydon, a 46-year-old professional from Bankstown, has built a notable career in the superannuation sector. She currently serves as the head of strategic partnerships at Teachers Mutual Bank. Haydon has also been a vocal advocate for women’s issues, working with the New South Wales Public Service Association. Raised on the Central Coast of New South Wales, she comes from a family of schoolteachers who have consistently supported the Labor Party.
The couple’s story began in late 2019 at a national union conference in Melbourne, where Haydon called out “up the Rabbitohs”—a reference to the South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league team—while Albanese was delivering a keynote speech. Their shared passion for the team sparked a connection, leading to a subsequent meeting over drinks at Young Henrys Brewery in Newtown. Their relationship blossomed, largely kept out of the public eye during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with 2Day FM in October 2023, Albanese expressed his happiness at finding love again after his previous marriage to former New South Wales deputy premier Carmel Tebbutt ended in 2019. Haydon has been a supportive partner throughout Albanese’s political endeavors, accompanying him during both the 2022 and 2025 federal election campaigns. She also joined him on official visits to cities such as Dubai, Paris, New York, and London.
The proposal took place at their home, The Lodge, on February 14, 2024. After sharing a meal at Italian and Sons in Canberra, Albanese asked Haydon to marry him, solidifying their bond. The couple chose to have their wedding at The Lodge, a venue that has become synonymous with Australian political life.
Albanese’s marriage to Haydon not only marks a personal milestone but also reflects a modern chapter in the history of Australian leadership. As the nation observes this new dynamic, the couple is set to navigate the complexities of public life together, further intertwining their personal and political journeys.
