Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I wish to note that, since Senator Wong was last present for a question time, a couple of significant events have occurred. On 6 March, Senator Wong became the longest serving female cabinet minister in Australian history, overtaking her fellow South Australian cabinet minister, former senator Amanda Vanstone. I place on record congratulations for this milestone. It's a milestone not only for Senator Wong but, of course, for Australian women. Whilst we congratulate her on the milestone, we also hope that it is one that is overtaken many times in the future, perhaps by some of my colleagues behind me! I also note that last Saturday, 16 March, Senator Wong and her long-time partner, Sophie, wed, and we place on record our congratulations to Penny and Sophie and wish them every happiness in their lives.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I express my thanks to Senator Birmingham, the opposition and all for those good wishes. In relation to the first point raised, I want to place on record my thanks to Amanda Vanstone, because I would not have known that milestone had been passed had she not contacted me and written a story about it. That was very sweet of her, and I appreciate that very much.