Penny Wong

Politician

Penny Wong really is a woman of firsts. The first openly lesbian member of Australian parliament, its first Asian-born female, and Australia’s first Minister for Climate Change and Water – a role garnering increasing attention in recent times.

Nominated for the second time as one of the Same Same 25, Wong was a voice of opposition to the Liberal party’s homophobic policies during the Howard era, and continues to campaign for same-sex rights within her own party.

Malaysian-born Wong arrived in Australia as a child in 1977, she admits it was initially very difficult to adapt. “It was a hard time,” said Wong in her maiden speech to Parliament, “to leave a familiar place and come somewhere where you and your family were seen as so different. Racial abuse was not unusual.”

A woman in a man’s world - and a lesbian in an extremely heterosexual workplace – Wong represents South Australia in the Senate as a member of the Labor party, holding a portfolio that makes her the highest ranked politician in her state.

Wong has been open about her sexuality since August 2002, and sees it as a positive step that it’s not much of an issue in her home town of Adelaide. “It seems that public figures are becoming more prepared to be open about their sexuality,” Wong told the Sydney Star Observer in 2003. “This demonstrates an increased confidence in the community that people can be openly lesbian or gay and still be successful in their chosen field – a credit to years of advocacy by very brave people. That advocacy has enabled many lesbian and gay public figures to focus on their chosen fields, rather than automatically becoming spokespeople on sexuality issues. I believe this reflects maturity, diversity and strength among the lesbian and gay community.”

Before entering parliament, Wong was a barrister and lawyer in Adelaide and worked as an adviser to the Bob Carr in Sydney. While Wong hadn’t always planned on being a politician, her plans were still good-natured. Enrolled in medicine degree until volunteering at a Brazillian hospital during a gap year brought her a little too close to blood for her own liking – a fortuitous phobia it would seem, considering the presence she has in Australian political culture now.

Asked about her sexuality, ethnicity and political career, Wong says that “if it shows that we are a nation where people can achieve things just on their abilities, then it is a good thing."

In her maiden speech to parliament, Wong also made mention of her younger brother, who committed suicide ten days after her election to the Senate in 2001.

"Your life and death ensure that I shall never forget what it is like for those who are truly marginalised."

Penny’s ability as a negotiator, perfectionist and socially minded individual has had political commentators describe her as brilliant and strong member of the current Rudd government.

By Joel Bryant