Federal MP Josh Burns and Victorian MP Georgie Purcell have celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Lilah Poppy Purcell, born on December 19, 2023. The couple announced the birth on social media, revealing that Lilah arrived earlier than expected, weighing 2.56 kg.
Burns, a member of the Labor Party representing the federal seat of Macnamara, and Purcell, representing the Animal Justice Party in northern Victoria’s upper house, noted that their daughter’s name carries symbolic significance. Although they claim it was unintentional, “Lilah,” meaning lilac, aligns with the color of the Animal Justice Party, while “Poppy,” a red flower, is representative of the Labor Party.
In a statement, Purcell expressed her joy and the unexpected arrival of their daughter: “Lilah is definitely proving to be my daughter – she is a little impatient, insisting on bursting into the world sooner than we were expecting. But she came at a time that was so desperately needed for our little family.”
Purcell also reflected on the impact of becoming a mother, stating, “Becoming a mum was never part of my plan, but in just a few short days, she has shown me that I simply couldn’t imagine a life without her.”
The new mother highlighted the significance of Lilah in her life, noting that she serves as a reminder of the importance of the decisions made today for future generations. “As I take a short break from work, she is the inspiration I need to return to parliament and an election next year to fight for a fairer, kinder world,” Purcell added.
Burns, who has recently been involved in addressing the fallout from the Bondi terror attack, shared a mix of emotions in light of his daughter’s arrival. He stated, “My heart will always stay with my community who are in mourning, but I’m also feeling so grateful for the arrival of Lilah. She is already loved completely, and I am so excited for the future with her in our lives.”
He further commented on the tragic events of the previous week, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for the Jewish community in Australia. He remarked, “The events of last week were utterly devastating to not only my community but to Australia more broadly. It highlighted to us that we have so much more to do to make Jews feel safe in their own country.”
Lilah joins the family as a sister to Tia, Burns’ daughter from a prior marriage. He expressed a commitment to raising both daughters with pride in their Jewish heritage, ensuring they feel safe and confident expressing it in Australia.
The couple first made a public appearance together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra. They announced Purcell’s pregnancy last year, indicating that she was receiving regular medical check-ups due to being classified as high-risk because of her autoimmune condition.
While acknowledging the interest surrounding their relationship—especially regarding Purcell’s advocacy for Palestinian recognition and their differing political affiliations—Purcell plans to return to work when parliament resumes in February 2024 and intends to run for re-election in the November 2026 state election.
