Tributes flow in House of Representatives for the late Peta Murphy

Tearful leaders have given powerful tributes to late Labor MP Peta Murphy, who died after a long battle with breast cancer.

Anthony Albanese says the loss of Peta Murphy is a loss for the nation.

The Prime Minister led a condolence motion for the late Victorian backbencher in the House of Representatives on Wednesday after the late Labor MP died following a long battle with breast cancer on Monday.

He described Ms Murphy as a “brilliant, funny, and courageous person” who was loved deeply by her community and fearless of change.

“Peta Murphy was special. We offer our condolences to her devoted partner of 24 years, her husband, Rod Glover. Her proud parents, Bob and Jan. Her dear sisters, Jodie and Penny, and her army of lifelong friends,” Mr Albanese spoke tearfully.

“We gather today as a parliament to mourn the great loss to our parliament. All of us in the Labor family have been left broken-hearted by the passing of our beloved Peta Murphy, and I appreciate that grief is keenly felt by many others in this place.”

Anthony Albanese said Peta Murphy was ‘special’. Picture: NCA NewsWire /Martin Ollman

Flowers were laid on Ms Murphy’s seat. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman.

Ms Murphy, who died at the age of 50, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 at 37 years of age.

In her maiden speech to parliament in 2019, she said she was neither “unique, nor alone” in her cancer battle but vowed to use her platform to benefit others.

The Prime Minister said her tireless advocacy and trademark combination of intellect, integrity, and empathy meant her death was a true loss for the Australian public.

“It’s important to make the point today that for all the courage and character Peta showed in her struggle, she was so much more than what she endured,” he said.

“Her deep intellect and unwavering time was honed by years of service to community centres, Legal Aid and the Victorian Law Reform Commission and it travelled right across economic and social policy.

“She had an eagle eye on every local project and an encouraging word for every community organisation and every sporting club. She was a relentless champion for better services in Dunkley and a role model for women and girls.”

The member for Dunkley led the charge for a comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising. Picture: Gary Ramage/NCA NewsWire.

Peter Dutton, addressing a full chamber, paid tribute to Ms Murphy’s impact on raising awareness of breast cancer and said her legacy would live on to inspire others.

The Opposition Leader said within the “heartache” of her loss people could find solace in the gratitude of having known her.

“Gratitude to have had someone of her calibre and quality serve our country and grace this chamber with her presence, and gratitude for life, which others will look back on to inspire their own idealism and ignite their own sense of national imagination,” he said

Greens leader Adam Bandt said Ms Murphy fought to change the world for the better.

“Her sense of humour made every encounter enjoyable,” he said.

Labor frontbencher and friend Anika Wells joked Ms Murphy was the ‘Hermione Granger of Frankston’. Picture: Gary Ramage/NCA NewsWire.

Speaking on the loss of her close friend and former roommate, Labor MP Kate Thwaites told the chamber that Ms Murphy was a “special person” and spoke of her late friend’s relationship with her two-year-old son Gilbert.

“Peta called Gilbert her kindred spirit. And if he knew those words, I’m sure that’s how he would have described her too,” she said.

Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the late MP fought tirelessly for the rights of women and channelled her battle with metastatic breast cancer for the greater good.

“One in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” she said.

“One hundred and fifty-seven women will be diagnosed with this terrible disease today alone.

“However, her legacy, and her advocacy and the impact she has made, will save lives.”