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Finance minister Penny Wong announces birth of first child . The finance minister and her partner Sophie Allouache have publicly announced the birth of their first daughter.
Earlier this week the prime minister promoted a number of working mums in her cabinet reshuffle, emphasising the importance of real-life experience in political decision making.
And while women such as attorney-general Nicola Roxon and health minister Tanya Plibersek were listed as examples of high-profile mums, senator Penny Wong's name was not mentioned.
However, this all changed over the weekend when the finance minister and her partner Sophie Allouache become first-time mothers to baby girl Alexandra.
"My partner, Sophie Allouache, and I are thrilled to welcome the arrival of our baby daughter, Alexandra, born in Adelaide on December 11," Ms Wong wrote in an official statement.
"Like any family welcoming a new addition, we are looking forward to spending time at home together and ask for our privacy to be respected at this time."
Despite a somewhat stressful entrance into the world Ms Wong said that both mum and bub were recovering.
"They're both well," reported Ms Wong, before adding that "Sophie was pretty tired but she's much better now".
The senator appeared lost for words when asked about the newest addition to her family – who was conceived using IVF and the sperm of a donor known to the couple – saying "she's wonderful, just wonderful".
Ms Allouache had a natural birth and baby Alexandra – who was given her mother's middle name – entered the world last Sunday weighing in at just 3.23 kg.
Ms Wong told reporters that she had "texted" the PM who was delighted with the news.
"The PM's given me a bit of leave so I'm going to take time off and hopefully we can get the important things in life like feeding and nappy changing and sleeping under control."
Ms Gillard was one of the first people to congratulate the senator and her partner on the arrival of baby Alexandra saying: "I am thrilled for Penny and Sophie – this is wonderful news and Alexandra is beautiful and a source of joy."
Senator Wong has been open about her sexuality and is seen as an ambassador for same-sex marriage within her party – it is an issue she championed at the recent ALP conference where members eventually voted in favour of the policy after years of heated debate.
Yet the minister is sensitive to the fact that not all people will hold the same views as she does concerning this issue.
When Ms Allouache's pregnancy was announced earlier this year Ms Wong said she understood the views other people might hold, but she did not want to make a policy issue out of "something that is so deeply personal and so lovely".