Penny Sharpe

Penny Sharpe is an Australian politician serving as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council since 2005. A prominent member of the Labor Left faction, she has held several leadership roles, including Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and Vice-President of the Executive Council since 2023. Previously, she served as the leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council and as interim leader of the state Labor Party. Sharpe is recognized for her advocacy on same-sex marriage and environmental policy, and she holds the distinction of being the first openly lesbian woman to serve in the New South Wales parliament.