The Honourable Jing Lee has dedicated her life’s work to creating an inclusive society where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential. 

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Jing had the honour of serving the people of South Australia as a Member of Parliament in the Legislative Council for 16 years (2010-2026). She officially retired from the Parliament of South Australia on 1 May 2026, following the March 2026 election, marking the end of a significant chapter in South Australia’s political history.

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She is a proud Australian, a well-respected and courageous South Australian community leader, a strong business and industry advocate, and a trailblazer in multicultural representation.

As a passionate champion for our community across all cultures, all professions and industries – Jing will continue to make a difference in the community upon retirement from politics. Her wealth of knowledge, broad range of community connections and credible leadership, skills and experience are well sought-after as a special guest, patron, mentor, facilitator, collaborator, board member, panel moderator, keynote speaker and community ambassador.  

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Jing believes that everyone aspires to build a better community. She continues to be driven by her ethos of serving people with passion and purpose.

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Jing has had a distinguished career serving 16 years in the South Australian Parliament. Her senior leadership roles included Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Shadow Minister for Tourism and Hospitality; Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs; and Assistant Minister to the Premier. 

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She has built impactful relationships with individuals, organisations, and communities across the state to support practical, community‑focused policies and positive social and economic outcomes. 

Born in Malaysia and migrating to South Australia in 1979, Jing brings a unique perspective to public life – shaped by lived experience, cultural diversity, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities Australia has provided to her and her family. 

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In 2010, Jing made history as the first Malaysian‑born Member of the South Australian Parliament. Over the course of her parliamentary career, she became widely respected for her tenacious efforts and consistent work in multicultural affairs, business and industry engagement, and grassroots community advocacy. 

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Throughout her time in Parliament, Jing worked tirelessly and collaboratively with all stakeholders, consistently championed diversity and inclusion, small and family businesses, social and cultural policy, and economic development, guided by a strong belief in the role of community and enterprise in building a thriving society.

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Reflecting on Impact

 

Jing Lee’s presence in Parliament contributed to broader recognition of South Australia’s multicultural communities and helped strengthen trust between diverse communities and public institutions. 

 

She was known for her accessibility, active community patronage, and willingness to engage directly with individuals and organisations affected by policy decisions. This approach reinforced the importance of listening, collaboration, and practical problem‑solving in public leadership. 

 

In January 2025, Jing left the major parties and served as an Independent Member of the Legislative Council, reflecting her long‑standing commitment to integrity, independence, and community‑focused decision‑making.

 

In May 2025, Jing established Jing Lee – Better Community, a political party grounded in the values that have guided her public life: respect, trust, integrity, inclusivity, and accountability. The party is focused on three core pillars:

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• Better Community

• Safer Society

• Stronger Economy

 

​Jing Lee – Better Community represents a positive and practical approach to public leadership and sound policies that always put community first.

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Parliamentary Highlights

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• Leader of Jing Lee - Better Community 
  Former Member of Parliament May 2026 - Now

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• Founded a new Political Party – Jing Lee Better Community
  Became the First Asian-Australian Migrant to establish a political party May 2025

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• Served as an Independent Member of Parliament
  January 2025–March 2026

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• Appointed as Shadow Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs; 2022-2025

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• Elected to Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council 2022–2025

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• First Asian-Australian appointed as the Assistant Minister to the Premier 2018 - 2022

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• Successfully re‑elected as Member of the Legislative Council 2018

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• Appointed Shadow Assistant Minister in a range of portfolios
  (multicultural affairs, small business, education) 2010 - 2018

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• First Malaysian‑Australian elected to the South Australian Parliament

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• The Honourable Jing Lee, Member of the Legislative Council 2010–2026