The spouse of the prime minister of Australia, or partner of the prime minister of Australia, is generally a high-profile individual who assists the prime minister with ceremonial duties as well as performing various other functions. With a few exceptions, the prime minister's spouse has been a public figure and the subject of media interest. Most have used the position to promote charitable causes. By convention, the spouse of the prime minister serves as the host of The Lodge and Kirribilli House, the official residences of the prime minister, and also assists the prime minister in welcoming foreign dignitaries to Parliament House and various other locations during ceremonial events. However, the position is unpaid and there are no official responsibilities. Spouses often assist the prime minister at campaign events. However, only two prime ministers' spouses have held public office in their own right – Enid Lyons became the first woman elected to the House of Representatives several years after her husband's death in office, while Lucy Turnbull was Lord Mayor of Sydney over a decade before her husband became prime minister. Ethel Page held senior offices in the organisational wing of the Country Party. The current prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is divorced; he has a partner, Jodie Haydon, who lives in her own home in Sydney. Albanese is the first divorcee to be appointed prime minister. All prime ministers except John McEwen, Julia Gillard and Albanese were married for the duration of their term in office. McEwen was a widower during his short term; Gillard was in a domestic partnership with Tim Mathieson. Until relatively recently it was uncommon for the spouse of a prime minister to have their own career. Zara Holt, a fashion designer, was the first to continue her career during her husband's term in office, and reputedly earned more money than him. Other businesswomen to hold the position have included Thérèse Rein, who ran an employment services company, and Margie Abbott, who ran a childcare centre. Bettina Gorton was an academic who lectured part-time at the Australian National University. (en)
The spouse of the prime minister of Australia, or partner of the prime minister of Australia, is generally a high-profile individual who assists the prime minister with ceremonial duties as well as performing various other functions. The current prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is divorced; he has a partner, Jodie Haydon, who lives in her own home in Sydney. Albanese is the first divorcee to be appointed prime minister. (en)