Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s partner has taken on a new role as ambassador for a leading children’s charity.
In a sign of her taking on more responsibilities, the ‘First Lady’ of Australian politics Jodie Haydon has taken on a new role as an ambassador for Redkite, a charity that provides support to families affected by childhood cancer.
Redkite provides emotional, financial and practical help to families with a child under the age of 18 with cancer.
Mr Albanese, 60, has been dating Ms Haydon, 44, since early 2020.
Mrs. Haydon, born in Bankstown, Western Sydney, to parents who were school teachers, now works as a women’s officer with the NSW Public Service Association.
Jodie Haydon, partner of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has taken on a new role as ambassador for Redkit
In April, the prime minister shut down questions about wedding plans for the couple.
During his pre-Anzac Day radio appearance, the Prime Minister was asked by prominent radio presenter Kyle Sandilands if he intended to propose to Mrs Haydon.
“When are you going to propose to Jodi? Is that on the agenda?’ Sandilands asked.
“I don’t think it’s up to KIIS FM to decide that,” replied Mr. Albanese.
“Is she your twin flame?” Sandilands then asked, referring to the spiritual idea of two individuals, usually lovers, sharing the same soul.
“She is certainly a very precious partner, and I consider myself incredibly lucky. We have a great relationship,” Mr Albanese said.
Mr. Albanese has been in a relationship with Ms. Haydon since early 2020.
Ms Haydon started dating Mr Albanese in early 2020 after meeting at a conference in Melbourne where he was speaking.
Mr Albanese was previously married to NSW Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Tebbutt for 19 years and with whom he shares a 21-year-old son, Nathan.
In July last year, Ms Haydon said she knew she was in love with the Prime Minister when she received the terrifying news that he had been in a serious car accident.
The financial adviser had been in a relationship with the then opposition leader for barely a year when his car was swept away in January 2021 by a Range Rover driven by a P-plater meters away from his home in Sydney’s inner west.
Mr. Albanese was rushed to hospital with major injuries.
Mr. Albanese has previously closed questions about getting married to his partner. Pictured from left to right: Jodie Haydon, Alan Joyce and Anthony Albanese
“When I got to the accident, I saw the car before I saw Anthony, and I remember thinking, ‘This can’t end well,'” Ms Haydon told 7News at the time.
And that overwhelming feeling of, “What if I lose him?” And then I knew that, yes, I love him. And I love him dearly.’
Mr Albanese and Mrs Haydon bonded over both following the same rugby league team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and living close to each other in Sydney’s Inner West.
The daughter of two teachers, Mrs Haydon was born in 1978 in Bankstown and grew up on the central coast of New South Wales.
She dropped out of college and began a career in retirement, working for 20 years in banking and finance companies.
In February last year, Ms Haydon was hired as a Women’s Officer, following her role as a union representative for the NSW Public Service Association.
She accompanied Mr Albanese during the 2022 Australian federal election campaign.