Federal Labor MP Josh Burns and Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell have announced the arrival of their first child, a daughter named Lilah Poppy Purcell. The couple shared their joyful news publicly on Monday night.
A Joyful Announcement After a Difficult Week
Burns, 38, took to Instagram to reveal the early birth of their child. In a poignant post, he acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster of the preceding days. "After heartbreak and sadness, our plans changed last week," the Melbourne-based MP wrote, alluding to the tragic Bondi Junction attacks that deeply affected Australia's Jewish community, of which he is a prominent member.
He introduced their newborn with profound affection, stating she had come "roaring into the big world and our hearts." The couple chose a name rich with symbolism and family history. Lilah Poppy Purcell's name represents purple and red flowers, which Burns described as being "entwined with family, history and hope for a life of love, beauty and peace."
Hope, Heritage, and Healing
In his message, Burns drew a powerful connection between the child's arrival and recent national trauma. "I think there's hope in both of her names being different coloured flowers. Out of darkness, flowers and beauty grow," he reflected. He praised his partner, Georgie Purcell, 33, calling her a "superhero" for her resilience following major surgery and her immediate dedication to motherhood.
The federal member for Macnamara also spoke directly about his personal and communal grief, juxtaposed with this new personal joy. "I personally have experienced both immense lows and highs over the past week," he confessed. He expressed a determined vision for his family's future, stating his commitment to raising his daughters to be proud of their Jewish heritage in Australia.
"Children are not born with hate. My daughters will be raised in a home with love, safety and kindness," Burns affirmed, highlighting a core value for his growing family.
Political Profiles and Personal Milestones
Josh Burns was first elected as the federal member for the inner-Melbourne seat of Macnamara in 2019 and has since been re-elected in 2022 and 2025. Georgie Purcell made history in 2022 when she was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council, becoming the sole representative for the Animal Justice Party in the state parliament.
The birth of Lilah Poppy Purcell marks a significant personal milestone for the cross-party couple, uniting two figures from different political spheres in a shared journey of parenthood. Their announcement has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from colleagues and the public alike, offering a moment of warmth and hope amidst a challenging period for the nation.
