PM leads tributes for ‘happy warrior’ Peta Murphy
Anthony Albanese has led flood of tributes for late Labor MP Peta Murphy, remembering the ‘happy warrior’ for her ‘intellect, integrity and empathy’.
Anthony Albanese has led the tributes for Labor MP Peta Murphy, remembering a “happy warrior” who was admired by those on both sides of the political divide for her intellect, integrity and empathy.
The House of Representatives convened on Wednesday to remember the Dunkley MP, who died on Monday, aged 50, following a battle with metastatic breast cancer.
The Prime Minister opened the day of emotional tributes to the respected former barrister and public defender, where he commended Ms Murphy for her “courage and character” in the face of her grim diagnosis and fierce commitment to progressive ideals.
Ms Murphy was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 and was re-diagnosed in 2019, just days after being sworn in as an MP.
“In that extraordinary first speech of hers, shining through the shadow of the news she had just received, Peta quoted Pippi Longstocking, the strongest girl in the world, and the attitude that she brought to public life,” Mr Albanese said.
“Indeed, to her whole working life, was very true to another piece of Pippi Longstocking wisdom: ‘I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that.’
“That summed up Peta; fearless in the face of new challenges, bold in the service of important causes, knowing that the very nature of progress means trying things that have not been done before.”
Peter Dutton also paid his respects to Ms Murphy, remarking on her grace in the spotlight of public life and how she “so rarely dropped her sunny disposition or was devoid of a smile” even in the face of hardship.
“To paraphrase Peta’s words, she took a deep breath: she chose to use the bumps in her life’s journey to make a difference as a member of parliament,” the Opposition Leader said.
“And make a difference she most certainly did, living up to the ideals that she set for herself.”
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor made an emotional tribute to Ms Murphy, who was his former chief of staff, remembering her as a “passionate fighter who was always on the side of the underdog”.
“She was principled, she was in a hurry to change things, but her work was always accompanied by compassion and integrity,” he said. “And her selflessness was on constant display – privately and publicly - not just recently but for as long as I’ve known her and to the very end.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud remembered Ms Murphy as a “kind and generous soul who fought so heroically”.
Labor MP Kate Thwaites described her as “fierce, super smart and … a bit intimidating”.
Ms Murphy is survived by husband Rod Glover, parents Bob and Jan and sisters Jodi and Penni.
More Coverage
Stamp duty is a ‘bad tax’, Labor says, as pre-election housing agendas diverge
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil says it’s a ‘good idea’ that stamp duty be replaced with a land tax, following a call from the Business Council of Australia to phase it out.
US ‘on track’ to sell Virginia-class subs to Australia
US Congressman and leading AUKUS supporter Joe Courtney, has played down the prospect of the US backtracking from its commitment to sell Australia nuclear-powered submarines.