Who Is Penny Sharpe? Age, Biography and Wiki
Penny Sharpe was born on October 22, 1970, making her 54 years old as of 2025. She is a notable Australian politician who has made significant contributions to the political landscape of New South Wales. With a strong focus on progressive policies, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, Sharpe has built a reputation as a dedicated public servant. Her political journey has been marked by her advocacy for social justice and her efforts to improve the lives of her constituents.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Penny Sharpe's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements may not be widely available, Penny Sharpe stands at an average height for Australian women, estimated to be around 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). Her weight is managed through a healthy lifestyle, and she maintains an active presence in the public eye.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Penny Sharpe is known to be in a committed relationship, although specific details about her partner are kept private. She values her family and has shared insights about her upbringing and life experiences that shaped her into the politician she is today.
Sharpe's official appointment to the Legislative Council was announced in late September 2005, which immediately caused substantial media attention due to her status as a lesbian mother—particularly as she would now be sitting alongside the likes of conservative Liberal David Clarke and Christian Democratic Party firebrand Fred Nile.
She largely refused to comment on her private life in the subsequent fracas, but announced her policy goals as improving access to education and eliminating discrimination against gay parents.
She has also made clear her intention to confront Clarke and Nile on gay rights issues; a stance that was heavily reflected in her maiden speech to parliament.
Net Worth and Salary
Penny Sharpe's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million in 2025. Her income primarily comes from her salary as a politician and various public engagements. She has worked diligently to ensure her financial stability while also investing in causes she believes in, thus enhancing her wealth over the years.
Career, Business and Investments
Sharpe's political career has been marked by her roles in the New South Wales Legislative Council, where she has served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition. She has been involved in various committees that reflect her interests in environmental sustainability and social policy. Additionally, Penny has explored opportunities in public speaking and consultancy, leveraging her expertise to influence change and inspire others.
Investments in community initiatives and nonprofit organizations further highlight her commitment to social responsibility and improving societal conditions.
Sharpe resigned from her portfolios on 14 May 2021 over disagreements with the party's position on the Mandatory Disease Testing Bill. The bill would require blood testing of people who might have posed a risk of bodily fluid contact with frontline workers, such as first responders who have been spat on or scratched.
According to Sharpe, the bill would represent "a major departure from a scientific and medical approach to managing the communicable risk of HIV or hepatitis". Sharpe abstained from voting before her resignation, which she claimed was not related to McKay's leadership.
McKay would later be forced to resign as party leader two weeks later over the party's defeat at the Upper Hunter by-election.
Social Network
Penny Sharpe is active on social media and has a substantial following. She engages with her constituents through platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where she shares her views, political activities, and personal reflections. Her online presence has allowed her to connect with a younger audience and promote her initiatives effectively.
Sharpe played an instrumental role in achieving marriage equality for LGBTI Australians. She was a leading figure in the internal Labor Party push to shift the ALP's position to one of supporting marriage equality. As a member of the NSW Legislative Council, she moved motions and put state-based bills to the NSW Parliament.
Sharpe was active in the ultimate Australian Marriage Law Survey and subsequent parliamentary reform process, campaigning publicly and has been noted as a key supporter and adviser to the likes of Campaign Director, Tim Gartrell and Labor Senate Leader, Senator Penny Wong.
Senator Wong has said of the achievement of marriage equality in Australia that "change happened because of champions like Penny Sharpe, who has worked to build momentum for change in our party."
Education
Penny Sharpe holds a degree in Arts from the University of Sydney. Her academic background has played a crucial role in shaping her critical thinking and analytical skills, enhancing her effectiveness as a politician. She has also pursued further education and training throughout her career to stay informed about current issues and policy developments.
She studied food technology at the University of New South Wales, where she became involved in student politics. She was elected president of the University of New South Wales Student Guild in 1993, the same year that she met her long-term partner, Jo Tilly.
Sharpe rose to national prominence the following year when she became president of the National Union of Students.
As president, she was involved in a national campaign against the Keating Labor government's higher education reforms, as well as in the partially successful Victorian battle against attempts by its Liberal government to introduce voluntary student unionism there.
