National Hostess
You did indicate that the duties and life of a wife of a Prime Minister must occasionally be very onerous. I can assure you that they are onerous for one hundred and fifty percent of the time. - Sir Robert Menzies
In addition to assisting their partner in political campaigns, Prime Ministers’ wives are expected to participate in official duties that come with the position. These are many and varied: they can include hosting foreign dignitaries in Australia; accompanying their husbands on national and international trips; attending conferences and functions; launching ships; and endless public speaking engagements.
In these roles they have attended the opening of Parliament; hosted visitors at the Lodge and Kirribilli; visited Buckingham Palace, the White House or the Japanese Imperial Palace; been present at royal coronations and conferences on war and women, and made speeches on behalf of the nation. Through it all they have to act with dignity and compassion, retain their sense of humour and above all, look the part.
HMAS Hobart Bell and wooden stand. Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia.
HMAS Hobart Bell and wooden stand
Official gift presented to Ethel Bruce on the occasion of her naming the Light Cruiser HMAS Hobart at Devonport, 14 October 1938.
‘That Dress’ worn by Sonia McMahon to the White House, November 1971. Courtesy of the Powerhouse Museum.
‘That Dress’ worn by Sonia McMahon to the White House, November 1971
Sonia McMahon became an overnight celebrity in Australia and overseas when she wore this revealing split dress to a dinner at the White House in November 1971. The outfit became known simply as ‘That Dress’.
‘It was a very heavy dress, warm to wear. It was lined, and what everyone thinks is me underneath is not me at all. It was a pantyhose sort of fabric, flesh coloured of course. I never thought it would cause the sensation that it did.’ – Sonia McMahon
A hat and accessories used by Enid Lyons. Courtesy of Brendan and Janet Lyons.
Hat and accessories used by Enid Lyons
Enid Lyons thought of herself as ‘a rather dowdy woman, my hair too long, my hats too matronly, my skirts well below the plimsoll line of fashion’. She said that her husband, Joe, wanted her to dress like ‘a mother’. Enid referred to this pink hat as her ‘frivolous’ hat. She wore it to numerous engagements. The opal broach and silver powder compact were some of her favourite accessories.
