The Hon. Ernest Wong – Prominent Chinese-Australian Political Leader, Legal Professional & Community Advocate

Overview

The Hon. Ernest Wong is one of the few first-generation Chinese-Australian leaders to have made a significant mark in the Australian political landscape. Highly respected for his distinguished public service and steadfast advocacy of multiculturalism, he has served as Mayor of Burwood, Member of the NSW Legislative Council, and Deputy President of the Legislative Council—equivalent to the position of Deputy Speaker at the provincial level in China.

As a first-generation immigrant who has lived in Australia for over 40 years, Mr. Wong is the only first-generation Chinese-Australian to have held elected office at this level. His active participation in public affairs has earned him widespread admiration and respect within both the Chinese community and broader Australian society.

Political Career & Achievements

In 2000, Ernest Wong was elected to the Burwood City Council, becoming the first Chinese-Australian councillor in the city’s history since its founding in 1874. In 2003, he was elected as the first Chinese-Australian Mayor of Burwood.

During his 15-year tenure as Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Mr. Wong led the transformation of Burwood from a stagnant, aging district into a vibrant, multicultural and economically thriving community—while preserving its historical heritage. He was also instrumental in officially naming the city in Chinese as “宝活市 (Burwood).”

Mr. Wong established the city's Multicultural Advisory Committee and launched Sydney’s first Lunar New Year Carnival in the western suburbs, which later became a permanent feature of the Council’s annual calendar. He also initiated the installation of Australia’s first public Confucius statue, strengthening the presence and influence of Chinese culture in the local area.

State-Level Political Leadership

In 2013, Ernest Wong was nominated by the Australian Labor Party to fill a vacancy in the NSW Legislative Council following the resignation of former Treasurer Eric Roozendaal. He became only the fourth Chinese-Australian in history to serve in the NSW Upper House, and the only Chinese-Australian member of the Legislative Council since 2013.

In 2016, he was elected Deputy President of the Legislative Council, a role which further reflected his political stature and bipartisan respect within the NSW Parliament.

Advocate for Multiculturalism & International Cooperation

Throughout his time in office, Mr. Wong served as a prominent voice for multiculturalism and social harmony. He maintained a consistent focus on ensuring a balance between legislative progress and traditional moral values.

He frequently led business and cultural delegations to countries including China, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, promoting economic cooperation and cross-border exchange. He also facilitated the establishment of numerous business chambers and enterprise alliances, laying a strong foundation for Australia’s international trade relations and diplomatic connectivity.

Defender of Social Justice & Immigrant Rights

As a first-generation immigrant, Ernest Wong has remained a passionate advocate for social justice and immigrant rights. He has worked tirelessly to speak on behalf of Chinese international students, new migrants, and ethnic minorities, actively defending their interests and striving for equal treatment under Australian law.

In his farewell speech to Parliament in 2019, Mr. Wong remarked:

“As a member of the Chinese-Australian community, standing against racial discrimination is paramount. The founding of Australia, and even its Federation, was once rooted in discriminatory policies against Chinese people.”

He highlighted historical moments including:

• the 1888 colonial decree declaring the need to “further restrict Chinese immigration for the welfare of the Australian people,”

• the 1966 comments by Federal Labor leader Arthur Calwell stating that “Asians are a threat to our society,” and

• the 1996 statement by Pauline Hanson suggesting “all Asian immigration should be stopped.”

It was this painful legacy that ultimately inspired Mr. Wong to enter politics and work toward systemic change.

Return to Law & Current Endeavors

After retiring from politics in 2019, Ernest Wong returned to the legal profession and now serves as Principal Solicitor at Kings Legal, a law firm based in Sydney. Leveraging his deep legislative experience and political acumen, he has successfully transitioned from lawmaker to legal expert, offering clients both professional legal services and valuable commercial connections through his extensive political network.

Legacy & Community Impact

Ernest Wong’s career spans public service, legal leadership, and social advocacy. He is recognized not only as a successful politician and lawyer but also as a dedicated champion of cultural diversity, social equity, and immigrant empowerment.

His lifelong engagement with both new and established migrant communities, along with his consistent efforts to promote multicultural values, have made him a respected figure and role model across Australia’s Chinese and multicultural communities.