The surprise no-show at the Murdochs’ annual Christmas drinks

Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley followed soon after, riding in the front seat of her Comcar, which is a power move, we guess.

Not as punctual as Ley was her former (or perhaps future) leadership rival Angus Taylor, who strode in with his barrister wife Louise Clegg.

NRL and Racing NSW honcho Peter V’landys, well and truly tight with house Murdoch, looked a little grumpy as he stalked along the street through the media gauntlet. No clue why.

Most guests weren’t given the liberty of being chauffeured down the long driveway. Then came a motorcade with tinted windows, allowed to cruise on down and deposit NSW Premier Chris Minns right at the gate. No sign of his Victorian counterpart Jacinta Allan, who doesn’t get out of Bendigo all that often.

No sign either of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, off enjoying a Jet2holiday (or should we say honeymoon) with wife Jodie Haydon. Richard Marles, the man quick to declare himself as acting PM when Albo is out of action, was also a no-show, as was Treasurer Jim Chalmers, off giving a speech in New Zealand. Perhaps it was a sign that slavish political fealty to the Murdochs is best done privately?

The rumour that News Corp global boss Robert Thomson (a former journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald, no less), who shares a birthday with the big man, would front the party appeared thinner than a Sydney socialite. CBD couldn’t confirm either way.

Gift-giving was thin on the ground, so in such circumstances, thank goodness for Penny Fowler.

Rupert Murdoch’s niece Fowler wears almost as many hats as Eddie McGuire – chairman of the Herald & Weekly Times, Tourism Australia, the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

She hopped out of her car with a cheery “It’s me again!” clutching a bright Dinosaur Designs bag, the contents of which she did not disclose.

Other News Corp personalities included a luxuriously bearded Michael Miller, Sky After Dark harrumphers Peta Credlin and Paul Murray.

Their boss Paul “Boris” Whittaker gave a cheery hello to waiting media, as did The Australian editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn and news.com.au boss Mick Carroll. Daily Telegraph editor Ben English did not. Nor did News Corp survivor Peter Blunden nor legend in his own lunchtime Col Allan.

At one point, the neighbouring garage door opened to reveal two women.

“We are neighbours. We are going to the Lord Mayor’s party – it’s always on the same night. They don’t invite us to this one,” said one.

Blink and you would’ve missed the quiet entrance of Olympic swimming legend Ian Thorpe. One guest who wanted to be missed was billionaire Canva co-founder Cliff Obrecht, reluctant to get in the frame. We too would be shy if decked out in rolled-up skinny jeans and Nike Air Maxs.

Business types included David Gonski, Ryan Stokes, Hamish McLennan and Gill McLachlan.

We also spotted Nine Radio boss Tom Malone, along with Ryan Stokes – some of the only media rivals – along with 2GB mainstay Ben Fordham and wife Jodie Speers.

Former NRL legend Ian Roberts and his partner Dan were also there.

Harvey Norman chief executive Katie Page, a faithful News Corp advertiser, and husband Gerry Harvey were surprised by the media attention on the footpath – but that didn’t stop them stopping by for a yarn.

Among the last arrivals, later than a Qantas flight, was the airline’s chief executive Vanessa Hudson.

Also showing up late was rebellious Country Liberal senator and Sky After Dark favourite Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, accompanied by her Scottish troubadour husband Colin Lillie. Can’t imagine too many other opposition backbenchers getting that kind of royal treatment.

Malone and wife Alissa left at 6.06pm – not even a Murdoch summer party can keep doting parents from a family graduation.

They were among the first to leave, as well as at least one young person.

“Anywhere but mum and dad’s party” is a universal truth, it seems – whoever your family is.