Penny Wong as prime minister of Australia

Race relations

Penny Wong's brother Toby took his own life 10 days after his 30th birthday, which was also the day on which she was elected to the senate in 2001.

Ms Wong had stated her brother was also the victim of bullying due to his heritage, paying tribute to him in her maiden speech in parliament.

She also spoke on the Israel Hamas Warat the Australian National University recently, from a prepared speech, Wong said her government was contemplating recognising Palestinian statehood. She faced criticism from Jewish leaders.

Wong has long advocated a two-state solution to this conflict, as have most of the world's leaders. Albanese has also advocated for a two-state solutionbut it has proved notoriously difficult.

She used a visit to Israel to tell the Netanyahu government that Australians have strong concerns about the high numbers of civilian deaths in Gaza, urging Israel to take steps towards a ceasefire.

As well as meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, Wong held an emotional hour-long encounter with the families of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

Penny Wong 's position is clear: all Australians stand with the people of Ukraine, and are united in condemnation of Russia's shameful act of aggression.

This attack is wholly unprovoked and without justification. Russia alone is the aggressor, and Russia alone bears responsibility for the bloodshed and suffering that will follow.

See also her party's position here

Wong lives in Adelaide with her partner, Sophie Allouache and their two children. She was a supporter of the legalisation of same sex marriage, memorably shedding tears in parliament when the 'Yes' result of the plebiscite was revealed.

Her position in the senate would normally rule her out as a potential prime minister.

While there is no rule against the prime minister being a senator, anyone elected to the role traditionally sits in the lower house where government is formed. It would seem that the desirable option would be to stand for and win a lower house seat in Adelaide, but she could stay in the senate, have her cabinet meetings, and leave Richard Marles - always competent – to handle question time.