About Jing

The Honourable Jing Lee MLC was deeply humbled and honoured to be elected as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. In recognising her extensive and wide-ranging experience, capabilities and tenacious commitment to serve our community, Opposition Leader, Hon. David Speirs MP appointed Jing as Shadow Minister for Multicultural South Australia, Shadow Minister for Tourism and Hospitality in April 2022.

Like the Opposition Leader, Jing is a proud first-generation Australian with a rich multicultural background. She migrated to Adelaide with her hardworking family from Malaysia in 1979. For more than 40 years, Jing has embraced the Australian values which encompass the democratic beliefs, freedoms, and respect that are central to our successful diverse society.

Jing made history as the first Malaysian-Australian to be elected to State Parliament in 2010. Over her twelve years in Parliament, Jing has been entrusted with a number of key portfolios, including multicultural affairs, small business, education, trade and investment. She proudly served as Assistant Minister to the Premier under the Marshall Liberal Government from 2018-2022.

She is a champion for multiculturalism in our State and is currently the longest serving member of Parliament in the portfolio of multicultural affairs. Jing was instrumental in expanding the footprint of the State’s largest Multicultural Festival to be held in the heart of the city, Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square). She also worked relentlessly in modernizing the landmark multicultural legislation that will shape the future advancement of multiculturalism and interculturalism in South Australia.

Prior to entering Parliament, Jing was a successful businesswoman and community leader with over 20 years of leadership and management experience in trade, tourism and community development. Jing has held many senior management roles across the private and public sectors and worked successfully in Australia and internationally.

Throughout her life, Jing is a passionate advocate for people of diverse background and industries that create vibrancy and opportunities for South Australia. She plays a significant role in building community capacities through active community engagement and policy development. Her passion for hard work, lateral thinking and her natural affinity to work with people from all walks of life help to build a harmonious and inclusive South Australia as a place that is great for our local community as well for visitors within Australia and around the world.