Jacqui Lambie stuns in bright gown for the Parliamentary Ball

When Australia’s political elite gathered in Canberra for the annual Parliamentary Ball it appeared black was to be the colour of evening, revealing the real dark side of life in the politics.

While much discussion erupted over whether foreign minister Julie Bishop and Tony Abbott’s former chief of staff Peta Credlin committed a fashion faux pas by appearing to be wearing similar dresses (although we don’t see a similarity — do you?) , it was Jacqui Lambie who was turning heads.

The Tasmanian senator documented her entire pre-ball beauty preparation on social media and revealed that fellow senator Derryn Hinch would be her ‘mystery date’ for the evening.

Lambie also broke with the trend of the evening by donning a strapless red gown and clutch for the event, which she accessorised with a diamond necklace and pendant earrings.

Ensuring that he complimented her striking looking, Hinch slung a red scarf over his suit.

Her entire preparation took around two hours, starting a 5:30pm, and involved false eyelashes, natural make-up application and a hair piece that needed to be pinned in.

The annual Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Midwinter Ball brings together the journalistic, political and corporate chiefs of Australia. Usually held in the third week of June, this year’s event was postponed because of the July 2 election.

The night is full of glamour and irreverence, networking and entertainment, but while there is plenty of fun to be had the ball is also for a good cause — raising more than $3.2 million for charity this year.

Do you like Jacquie Lambie’s dress here? Do you think her and Derryn Hinch will make a formidable pair in parliament?