MEDIA RELEASE
THE HEAVYWEIGHT POLITICAL CONTEST OF THE YEAR
Have dinner with Julia Gillard or a tennis lesson with Tony Abbott
It promises to be the most anticipated political contest of the year - a battle involving Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Wayne Swan, the Greens and the rural Independents!
They are battling each other, but not through the ballot box. This time, it is all in the name of charity.
Casting aside rivalries, our political leaders have generously donated themselves to be auctioned off online on eBay to help celebrate the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery's Midwinter Ball.
From this Sunday at 5pm, these heavyweights of the political scene will go "live" on eBay as part of the Press Gallery's efforts to raise much needed funds for charity. Now in its 12th year, the Ball has raised almost $1.6 million – and the organisers expect this year's event to contribute another healthy outcome. With the political landscape so evenly poised, the eBay online auction is promising to attract huge interest – and strong competition.
- The Prime Minister Julia Gillard is offering a spectacular dinner for six at The Lodge or her Sydney residence Kirribilli House. This is a unique opportunity for corporate Australia to dine with the nation's leader.
- Political junkies will love the 2010 "Campaign Blanket" a unique piece of behind the scenes election history - patchwork handicraft by the PM Julia Gillard and her staff it is 216 x 180 cm in size.
- The ball's in the court of Opposition leader Tony Abbott who will host a tennis lesson for one with Davis Cup Champion & Liberal MP John Alexander. This is followed by a brunch or lunch for six people in Sydney.
- Treasurer Wayne Swan is generously offering two people the chance to join him at the Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans rugby league match at Suncorp Stadium on Friday July 15, 2011. Tickets and hospitality will be in the Former Origin Greats Hospitality Box - with thanks to the Former Origin Greats.
- The Leader of the Greens Bob Brown is offering an exclusive spring breakfast for four in Canberra followed by a walk with him along Bob Brown's proposed Democracy Walk starting at Civic (in Canberra's CBD) and ending at Parliament House.
- A "balance of power" lunch or dinner for six with the three independents - Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott & Bob Katter - in one of Parliament's fine dining rooms during a Federal Parliamentary sitting week.
- Qantas, the Spirit of Australia, is generously offering a range of fantastic overseas travel options for the successful bidder. Bidders can choose from a range of travel hot spots return business class to London, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Buenos Aires or New York.
Press Gallery President Phillip Hudson said: "We are very grateful to the elite of Australian politics along with eBay and Qantas, for contributing so generously in the name of charity."
"This simply has to be one of the most unique opportunities for corporate Australia to entertain."
The eBay auction opens at 5pm on Sunday June 5 and closes Wednesday 5pm June 15. To bid in the auction, go to www.midwinterball.com.au and click on the eBay button.
For interviews or further information, contact:
Phillip Hudson: Press Gallery President 0419 291 240
Malcolm Farr: www.news.com.au 0413 080 869
Steve Lewis: News Limited 0419 29 22 45
