Tragic loss: Federal MP Peta Murphy passes at 50 after a courageous struggle with cancer
- Replies 4
A wave of grief has swept across Australia with the news that Federal Labor MP Peta Murphy has tragically passed away at the age of 50 after her long struggle with cancer.
Murphy, representing Dunkley, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 at the age of 37.
Emotions ran high as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her passing in a press conference in Canberra, expressing the profound pain felt by the Labor family.
'A short time ago, Peta Murphy passed away at home, which was her wish,' PM Albanese said.
'Her husband of 24 years, Rod, was with her, along with her parents and her sisters. Every one of us in the Labor family is [heartbroken].'
Murphy had to undergo a double mastectomy, but her cancer returned in 2019, just days before her swearing-in as an MP.
One of the defining moments of this brave woman's life is her maiden speech to parliament, delivered shortly after learning about her metastatic cancer.
'Peta received the news her cancer had returned two weeks prior to being sworn in as an MP. In her remarkable first speech in the parliament, she said: “I am neither unique nor alone in the fight I am about to take on”,' Albanese recounted.
'In so many wonderful ways, Peta was unique.'
'But as someone who inspired such affection and respect in the hearts of so many, she was never alone.'
In her struggle, Murphy funnelled the energy into her policy-making.
'Like all of us who served alongside her, the people Peta represented admired her determination, they respected her passion, and they responded above all to her absolute authenticity,' he added.
'It was always clear just how much Peta cared for her community, her colleagues, and our country.'
'She helped lead the charge for important reforms like reducing the harm from online gambling because she understood the greatest privilege of public office is the opportunity to make a difference.'
Tributes have poured for this inspiring figure, acknowledging her bravery and the impact she made in her work.
Defence Minister Richard Marles paid honour to Murphy as 'one of the bravest people' he has ever met.
'It was an honour to know and work with Peta Murphy.'
You can read his full message below:
Source: X/@RichardMarlesMP.
Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers spoke of the immense sadness that accompanied the news of Murphy's passing and described her as 'an absolute gem of a person, so kind and so compassionate, so fun and so real.'
She was also labelled as a 'fighter for people's rights' by Greens leader Adam Bandt.
'We’re all poorer without her,' he added.
Nationals leader David Littleproud acknowledged her remarkable contribution, stating, 'Peta was a fighter in both a Parliamentary and a personal sense and will be missed by all Members.'
'Even during difficult months, Peta continued to make sacrifices, often to the detriment of her own health.'
'Her commitment to public duty was exemplary and admirable.'
Murphy opened up her cancer journey earlier this year and revealed that there was a need to change her treatment to chemotherapy late last year.
However, instead of hiding away, the Labor MP returned to the federal parliament.
'I have this unique platform of being in the federal parliament and having metastatic cancer, I should use it to try and make life better for other people,' Murphy said.
'What are you in politics for if it's not to make a difference and make a difference to other people's lives?'
She shared that it took 'a Pippi Longstocking-type of strength' to be able to continue advocating for her community despite her battle with cancer.
'I strive to be (as strong), I don't think I am. I can name a whole bunch of women that are stronger, but it's an attitude, right?'
'It doesn't necessarily have to be attained it's a way of looking at life.'
Murphy's life and service implore us to celebrate bravery and resilience and remind us of the power humans have to shine their light, even in the face of adversity.
Our thoughts are with Murphy's family, friends, and all those touched by her dedication and work. We honour Peta Murphy's legacy of resilience and dedication to the greater good. May she rest in peace.
Murphy, representing Dunkley, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 at the age of 37.
Emotions ran high as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her passing in a press conference in Canberra, expressing the profound pain felt by the Labor family.
'A short time ago, Peta Murphy passed away at home, which was her wish,' PM Albanese said.
May Peta Murphy rest in peace. Image source: Instagram/@petamurphylabordunkley.
'Her husband of 24 years, Rod, was with her, along with her parents and her sisters. Every one of us in the Labor family is [heartbroken].'
Murphy had to undergo a double mastectomy, but her cancer returned in 2019, just days before her swearing-in as an MP.
One of the defining moments of this brave woman's life is her maiden speech to parliament, delivered shortly after learning about her metastatic cancer.
'Peta received the news her cancer had returned two weeks prior to being sworn in as an MP. In her remarkable first speech in the parliament, she said: “I am neither unique nor alone in the fight I am about to take on”,' Albanese recounted.
'In so many wonderful ways, Peta was unique.'
'But as someone who inspired such affection and respect in the hearts of so many, she was never alone.'
In her struggle, Murphy funnelled the energy into her policy-making.
'Like all of us who served alongside her, the people Peta represented admired her determination, they respected her passion, and they responded above all to her absolute authenticity,' he added.
'It was always clear just how much Peta cared for her community, her colleagues, and our country.'
'She helped lead the charge for important reforms like reducing the harm from online gambling because she understood the greatest privilege of public office is the opportunity to make a difference.'
Tributes have poured for this inspiring figure, acknowledging her bravery and the impact she made in her work.
Defence Minister Richard Marles paid honour to Murphy as 'one of the bravest people' he has ever met.
'It was an honour to know and work with Peta Murphy.'
You can read his full message below:
Source: X/@RichardMarlesMP.
Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers spoke of the immense sadness that accompanied the news of Murphy's passing and described her as 'an absolute gem of a person, so kind and so compassionate, so fun and so real.'
She was also labelled as a 'fighter for people's rights' by Greens leader Adam Bandt.
'We’re all poorer without her,' he added.
Nationals leader David Littleproud acknowledged her remarkable contribution, stating, 'Peta was a fighter in both a Parliamentary and a personal sense and will be missed by all Members.'
'Even during difficult months, Peta continued to make sacrifices, often to the detriment of her own health.'
'Her commitment to public duty was exemplary and admirable.'
Murphy opened up her cancer journey earlier this year and revealed that there was a need to change her treatment to chemotherapy late last year.
However, instead of hiding away, the Labor MP returned to the federal parliament.
'I have this unique platform of being in the federal parliament and having metastatic cancer, I should use it to try and make life better for other people,' Murphy said.
'What are you in politics for if it's not to make a difference and make a difference to other people's lives?'
She shared that it took 'a Pippi Longstocking-type of strength' to be able to continue advocating for her community despite her battle with cancer.
'I strive to be (as strong), I don't think I am. I can name a whole bunch of women that are stronger, but it's an attitude, right?'
'It doesn't necessarily have to be attained it's a way of looking at life.'
Our thoughts are with Murphy's family, friends, and all those touched by her dedication and work. We honour Peta Murphy's legacy of resilience and dedication to the greater good. May she rest in peace.
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