Josh Burns, a federal member of parliament for the Labor Party, and Georgie Purcell, a Victorian MP from the Animal Justice Party, have welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Lilah Poppy Purcell. Born on December 19, 2023, Lilah arrived earlier than expected at 37 weeks and five days, weighing 2.56 kg. The couple shared the news on social media, revealing that their daughter’s name subtly reflects their political affiliations.
The name “Lilah,” which means lilac, alludes to the purple color associated with the Animal Justice Party, while “Poppy,” a red flower, symbolizes the Labor Party. Although the couple noted that this was not an intentional choice, the connection has been recognized by supporters.
Purcell expressed her joy and surprise at Lilah’s early birth, stating, “Lilah is definitely proving to be my daughter – she is a little impatient, insisting on bursting into the world sooner than we were expecting.” She emphasized the significance of this moment for her family, saying, “Becoming a mum was never part of my plan, but in just a few short days she has shown me that I simply couldn’t imagine a life without her.”
As Purcell takes a brief hiatus from her parliamentary duties, she views her daughter as a source of inspiration for her political work. “She is the inspiration I need to return to parliament and an election next year to fight for a fairer, kinder world,” she added.
Burns, who is also one of Labor’s prominent Jewish MPs, reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the past week. He had been addressing the aftermath of the recent Bondi terror attack, which deeply affected his community. “My heart will always stay with my community who are in mourning, but I’m also feeling so grateful for the arrival of Lilah,” he remarked. He expressed excitement about their future together, highlighting the love already felt for their newborn.
The couple also has a daughter, Tia, from Burns’s previous marriage. He is committed to ensuring that both of his daughters grow up appreciating their Jewish heritage and feeling secure in expressing it within Australia.
Burns and Purcell made their public debut at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, which drew considerable attention due to their differing political backgrounds and Purcell’s vocal support for Palestinian recognition. They announced their pregnancy on social media, with Purcell sharing that she was classified as high-risk due to her autoimmune condition, necessitating weekly medical checks.
Looking ahead, Purcell plans to return to work when parliament resumes in February and is set to contest her seat in the upcoming state election in November 2026. The couple’s relationship has garnered significant public interest, showcasing the blend of personal and political life in contemporary Australian politics.
