Anthony Albanese, Justin Hemmes, Peta Credlin, Andrew Twiggy Forrest and Neil Perry hit the town for a big party – but one very important person is missing

A host of Australian showbiz, political and business figures gathered to celebrate a major milestone for one of the country’s largest newspapers.

The Australian held his long-awaited 60th birthday party on Thursday evening at the Australian Museum, opposite Hyde Park in Sydney.

The event was hosted by NewsCorp chairman Lachlan Murdoch, but his father and company founder, Rupert Murdoch, was noticeably absent.

The media mogul recently canceled his plans to attend the event, but reportedly it has nothing to do with health concerns.

The newspaper, which first published on July 15, 1964, is a major player in the 93-year-old’s $15 billion media empire.

The Australian is the only newspaper founded by Murdoch that is still in publication, after he took over the business from his father, Sir Keith Murdoch.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was one of the keynote speakers, leading a host of invited former and current politicians from both sides of parliament

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was accompanied by his wife Kirilly, who looked radiant in a glittering green dress.

Sky news presenter Peta Credlin (pictured) looked stunning in a black dress

Billionaire restaurateur Justin Hemmes (pictured right) and his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel (pictured left) also showed up

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured leaving) led a line-up of invited politicians from both sides of parliament

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jacinta Price stole the show by wearing a colourful pink dress with her husband Colin Lillie when she arrived.

The pair smiled broadly for the cameras before entering the packed venue to mingle with other guests.

Former Prime Ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott were also in attendance, as were Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham and former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr.

Also in attendance were New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and newly appointed Governor-General Sam Mostyn.

Mr Albanese also spoke at the event, urging Australians to be optimistic about their future.

Other prestigious guests included billionaire restaurateur Justin Hemmes and his girlfriend, model Madeline Holtznagel.

The baron, who is worth approximately $1.39 billion, wore a white shirt and black pants with a matching jacket.

Mrs. Holtznagel wore a black dress with matching heels and the loved-up couple walked arm in arm.

Sky news presenter Peta Credlin appeared in a stunning black dress and carried a matching evening bag.

Celebrity chef Neil Perry was one of the first to arrive, dressed in a button-down shirt, jeans and white sneakers.

The renowned restaurateur, author and TV presenter completed the casual look by wearing a black trench coat.

Celebrity chef Neil Perry (pictured) was one of the first to arrive

Also attending the event was Teena McQueen (pictured), vice-chair of the Liberal Party and a Sky News contributor.

Media mogul Ryan Stokes (pictured right) and his wife Claire (pictured left) looked dapper in their black and white formal wear

NewsCorp chairman Lachlan Murdoch (pictured left) hosted the event (pictured right is his wife Sarah)

Media mogul Ryan Stokes and his wife Claire also arrived at the festivities, along with media mogul Kerry Stokes’ son. They opted for tuxedos.

Mrs Stokes looked elegant in her outfit and she carried a small black handbag to complete her stunning look.

Outspoken Liberal Party vice-chairman and Sky News contributor Teena McQueen arrived in a black dress.

The 63-year-old teamed the simple look with a number of silver bracelets and a red clutch with the words ‘Trump’ written on the sides, in honour of the former US president who took on the role for the second time.

Prominent business figures also attended the exclusive event, including billionaire mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest.

Other business executives in attendance included Atlassian founder Scott Farquhar, Premier Investments chairman Solomon Lew and billionaire Chemist Warehouse magnate Sam Gance.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys led the group of major sporting figures, which also included former AFL boss and Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan.

Peter Dutton (pictured left) was accompanied by his wife Kirilly (pictured right), who looked stunning in a sparkling green dress

Former Prime Minister John Howard (pictured left) attended with his wife Jeanette (right)

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jacinta Price (pictured left) arrived with her husband Colin Lillie (pictured right)

Atlassian co-founder Scott Farquhar (pictured left) with his wife Kim Jackson (pictured right)

Chairman of Premier Investments, Solomon Lew (pictured left) turned up with his partner Roza (pictured right)

Billionaire mining magnate Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest (pictured)

Billionaire chemist magnate Sam Gance (pictured left) and partner Janet Roach, star of Real Housewives of Melbourne (pictured right)

Winery and yacht racing heiress Nicky Oatley (pictured right) was in attendance with her husband Johnathan Pearce (pictured left)

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys (pictured)

Former AFL boss, now Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan (pictured)

Other notable appearances included Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer and Federal Court Justice Michael Lee.

During his speech, Lachlan Murdoch warned that the company faces threats from the rapid growth of technology, it reported The Australian.

He also praised his father for starting a newspaper, stating that the paper was guided by ‘faith in Australia and the future of the country’ and that the paper ‘speaks fearlessly’.

“My father’s ambition for The Australian was never a secret. He even published it on the front page that first day,” he said

It was fundamentally about optimism and ambition for our country. It would contain ‘impartial information’ and ‘independent thinking’.

Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer (pictured left), was among the other notable guests who gathered for the festivities

Federal Court Judge Michael Lee (pictured)

Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham (pictured)