Penny Wong
MELBOURNE: Malaysian-born Australian Finance Minister Penny Wong has revealed that she and partner, Sophie Allouache, are expecting a baby.
Allouache is pregnant and due to give birth in December, AdelaideNow (OK) reports.
The baby was conceived using sperm from a donor known to the couple and with the assistance of IVF.
Senator Wong, one of the most senior ministers in the Gillard Government, is the first openly gay minister in federal politics.
In a short statement to AdelaideNow, a delighted Senator Wong said: “Like any expecting parents, the prospect of welcoming this child into our lives fills us both with joy.
“We are extremely grateful to our IVF service and staff, and to our donor, for giving us the opportunity to raise a child together.”
She indicated that she would not be making the identity of the father known publicly by agreement with him.
“We have chosen to make this statement about Sophie’s pregnancy as we understand there may be public interest due to my position.
“This is, however, a very private matter and we ask for our privacy to be respected during this time.” — Agencies