Daily London
Political power couple Victorian Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell and Federal Labor MP Josh Burns have welcomed their first child together at a time when her Jewish father “needed some light in the darkness”.
Lilah Poppy Purcell was born earlier than expected on Friday, weighing just 2.56kg at 37 weeks and five days.
Her first two names represent the purple and red flowers, which are the colours of the pair’s political stripes and a nod to her Jewish heritage, something Purcell said would be “an important part of her life in our home”.
“Becoming a mum has been the best thing ever. It’s also made me more determined than ever before to fight for a future that is kind, equal and just,” she said.
“As for Lilah, she has already given us more than she could possibly know — arriving at a time that her dad needed some light in the darkness.”
Burns, who has been mourning the Bondi Beach attack on the Jewish community, said he has experienced “immense lows and highs over the past week” but said “out of darkness, flowers and beauty grow”.
“My heart will always stay with my community who are in mourning, but I’m also feeling so grateful to have my daughters and partner with me at home,” he said.
Burns, one of Labor’s most senior Jewish MPs whose office has been frequently targeted by vandals, said he would raise his daughter to be proud of her heritage and express it openly in Australia.
“Children are not born with hate. My daughters will be raised in a home with love, safety and kindness,” he said.
“Now I have two jobs to do: Firstly, changing nappies and being present as a father. And secondly, I’m determined to help shape a better future for my daughters and my community in our country.”
As for Purcell, she said she will spend the next few weeks resting and preparing for the upcoming state election and parliament to resume, this time with a “+1 alongside me”.
The couple hard-launched their relationship in July last year when they stepped out together at Canberra’s midwinter ball.
Burns has a second daughter, Tia, from his previous marriage.
