A Malaysian-born gay woman could become Australia's new foreign minister if the opposition Labor Party wins a tightly contested election this month
Sydney A Malaysian-born gay woman could become Australia's new foreign minister if the opposition Labor Party wins a tightly contested election this month.
Senator Penny Wong would be the third consecutive woman to take on the role, but the first Australian foreign minister of Asian heritage and the highest-ranking gay politician in a parliament typically dominated by conservative white men.In a recent speech to the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Wong said if Labor wins the election on May 18, her elevation to foreign minister would send a broader message to the world about Australia's values as a multicultural nation.
— Senator Penny Wong March 16, 2019 Wong was the first woman elected as Leader of the Government in the Senate. The 2013 election loss meant she became Leader of the Opposition in the Senate within the same year -- it was the first time a woman had filled either role. Her six-year term in the Senate expires in 2022, when she can run for re-election.
— andrew meares November 15, 2017 Dealing with China The same-sex marriage debate may have focused attention on Wong's family, but she's known to be protective of her personal life and doesn't actively seek media attention outside her work.Wong's foreign policy portfolio hasn't featured highly in the upcoming election campaign, as voters focus on domestic issues such as taxes, wages and spending. However, if Labor wins, Wong would become Australia's face to the world.
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