Penny Wong breaks down in tears as she hears same-sex marriage result

Labor Senator Penny Wong was embraced by her Upper House colleagues as the announcement that the Yes vote had succeeded in the same-sex marriage postal survey.

An emotional Penny Wong broke down when she learned Australia had voted Yes to legalising same-sex marriage alongside her Senate colleagues.

A number of federal parliamentarians gathered in Canberra to watch a live broadcast of the postal survey result on Wednesday.

Senator Wong, who has spoken passionately in favour of a Yes vote, shed tears upon hearing the result and was embraced by her colleagues.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics announced 61.6 per cent had voted in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.

Senator Penny Wong reacts as she joins Parliamentarians as they watch the announcement of the results of the Marriage Equality survey in Canberra (AAP) Source: AAP

Labor senators Sam Dastyari, Patrick Dodson and crossbencher Derryn Hinch were quick to comfort Senator Wong.

In a press conference shortly after Senator Wong expressed her appreciation and called for the parliament to legislate quickly.

"I hope that everyone in this parliament has heard the resounding voice of the Australian people today, a mandate for change, a mandate for equality," she said.

"Because it is time."

"Thank you for standing up for fairness, thank you for standing up for equality.

"Thank you for standing up for our families."

Senator Wong is in a same-sex relationship with Sophie Allouache and the couple have two children together.