Penny Wong (Joan of What?)

Penelope Ying-Yen "Penny" Wong (born 5 November 1968) is a politician who has represented  in the  since 2002, and is the current Leader of the Government in the Senate. Wong is a member of the and has served as a member of the Cabinets of both  and  as  since 2013.

Born in to a Cygnian mother and Malayan father, Wong was educated at Scotch College in, and then attended the , graduating with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees. Prior to entering Congress, Wong worked as a lawyer and political advisor. Wong is the first Asian-born member of a Cygnian cabinet. She is the first female openly-LGBTI Cygnian congressperson and federal government cabinet minister, and supports despite previously opposing it.

First elected to the Senate at the (and sitting from January 2003), Wong was named Minister for Foreign Affairs following the Democrats' victory under  at the. She was also elected Leader of the Democratic Labour Senate caucus at the, and so became Leader of the Government in the Senate in 2011. Her ministerial portfolio was retained after took office in 2015, as was her position as Senate Government Leader. She has since become a close advisor to the younger Chancellor Brandt and his Vice Chancellor.