Brief Biography of Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water
Penny Wong was born in Malaysia and moved to Australia when she was eight.
Before entering Parliament, Penny Wong was a barrister and solicitor in Adelaide and worked as an adviser to the Carr Government in New South Wales.
She was elected as a Labor Senator for South Australia in November 2001 and began her term in July 2002.
In December 2007 Penny was appointed to the Federal Cabinet in the new Rudd Labor Government as the Minister for Climate Change and Water, and in March 2010 the Prime Minister added the Energy Efficiency portfolio to her responsibilities.
Penny has been a strong promoter of women's issues in the ALP, leading the successful charge for rule changes on affirmative action at a state and national level.
