Senator Penny Wong - profile

Senator Wong is no longer available to speak at Women's Conference. The Governnment have changed the Senate's sitting days in order to rush through legislation.

Penny Wong, Senator for SA.

Anyway just a few words about the speaker we will miss.

Penny Wong was born in Sabah, Malaysia. She moved to Australia when she was eight and settled in the Adelaide Hills.

She won a scholarship to Scotch College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Law Degree (Hons) from the University of Adelaide.

Penny began working for the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union when she was still studying and stayed with the union after she was admitted to the Bar. She became an elected organiser and industrial officer.

She was then employed as a ministerial advisor to the Carr government in New South Wales, concentrating on forest policy. She later returned to Adelaide to practise law.

Elected as a Senator from South Australia at the 2001 elections, with her term beginning in July 2002. Joined Labor's frontbench in October 2004.

Qualifications and Occupation before entering Federal Parliament:

• BA, LLB (Adel), GradDip in Legal Practice (SA).
• Industrial officer 1990-96.
• Barrister and solicitor 1996-2000.
• Legal officer 2000-02.