Doesn’t that sound familiar? Singer pops up for pollies

Few MPs complete their political careers without a scar or two – and when Missy Higgins crashed in Parliament House they found time to celebrate with song.

The award-winning artist was in the nation’s capital on Monday for a pop-up event promoting the ARIA Awards and Australian artists.

Higgins performed a half-hour set that included Hidden Ones from his 2012 album The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, his 2024 song Craters and his 2004 hit Scar, which Foreign Minister Penny Wong joked was a breakup song.

Arts Minister Tony Burke introduced Higgins and told the crowd gathered in the parliamentary courtyard that Higgins’ music had helped him cope with the death of his father.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, Labor MP Trish Cook, Liberal MP Tony Pasin and independent senator David Pocock were also seen listening in during a busy session alongside journalists and political staff.

Higgins has become a powerhouse in the Australian music industry since bursting onto the scene with his debut album The Sound of White in 2004.

He has nine ARIA awards to his name and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2024.