Penny Wong was born in Malaysia. As an eight-year-old she moved to Australia with her family and settled in Adelaide.

Penny graduated in law and arts from the University of Adelaide.

Before entering politics she worked for a union, as a ministerial adviser in the NSW Labor Government, and as a lawyer.

Penny was elected to the Senate in 2001 and took her seat in 2002.

In 2004, Penny was elected to the Shadow Ministry. Following the election of the Labor Government in 2007 Penny was appointed the Minister for Climate Change and Water. After the 2010 election Penny was appointed the Minister for Finance and Deregulation.

In 2013, Penny was appointed Leader of the Government in the Senate. After the change of Government she was appointed the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. Penny is the first woman to hold both these roles.

Penny is the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Penny lives in Adelaide with her partner and their two daughters.