Who is Penny Wong? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Australian Celebrities Born In November

Also Known As: Penelope Ying-Yen Wong

Age: 54 Years, 54 Year Old Females

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Sophie Allouache

children: Alexandra Wong

Born Country: Malaysia

Political Leaders Australian Women

political ideology: Political party - Australian Labor Party

Ancestry: Malaysian Australian

Notable Alumni: University Of Adelaide, University Of South Australia

More Facts

education: University Of Adelaide, University Of South Australia

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Childhood & Early Life

Penelope Ying-Yen "Penny" Wong was born in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on November 5, 1968. Her father, Francis Wong was a Malaysian Chinese Hakka and her mother, Jane Wong was a European Australian.

Penny's parents separated in 1976 and she moved to Adelaide, South Australia with her mother and younger brother Toby.

Initially she planned to study medicine but later she changed her mind on realizing that she had an aversion to blood. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide in 1992.

While studying, she joined the Adelaide University Labor Club in 1988 and has been a delegate to the South Australian Labor Party State Convention since 1989. She also worked for the 'Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union' (CFMEU), on a part time basis.

She was admitted to the South Australian Bar in 1993.

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Career

In 1995–96 Penny acted as the advisor to CFMEU and to the newly elected New South Wales state government in Sydney.

After returning to Adelaide, she practiced law at the 'Duncan and Hannon' firm from 1996 to 1999. For the next three years, she worked as the legal officer for the 'Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union'.

Running for pre-selection for the Senate, she was selected for the top position on the Labor Party's South Australian ticket in 2001, and after being elected, she commenced her term on July 1, 2002.

In June 2005 she became the Shadow Minister for Employment and Workforce Participation and Shadow Minister for Corporate Governance and Responsibility. Later on she held the portfolios of Public Administration and Accountability, Corporate Governance and Responsibility, and Workforce Participation.

She was appointed as the Minister for Climate Change and Water after the Labor Party's victory in the 2007 election. During her stint in the ministry, she expanded the renewable energy target and was instrumental in bringing significant investment in wind and solar power.

In September 2010, she became the Minister for Finance and Deregulation and in February 2013 she was appointed as the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate.

In June 2013 she became the first female to be appointed Leader of the Government in the Senate.

In September 2013, after the Labor Party’s defeat in the federal elections, Penny Wong was appointed the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and became the first woman in Australia to hold this position.

Awards & Achievements

In June 2010, she was named as one of the 25 most influential lesbian Australians.

Personal Life & Legacy

Penny Wong is a lesbian and was the first member of the Australian Labor Party to 'come out' while in parliament. Her partner, Sophie Allouache, is a public servant and together they have two daughters, Alexandra and Hannah.

Her brother, Toby, committed suicide in 2001.

She is a practicing Christian and attends the Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide.

Trivia

She is the first Asian-born member of an Australian cabinet.

Penny Wong is the first openly lesbian member of the Australian cabinet.

Penny Wong Biography