Albanese pays tribute to Peta Murphy, dead at 50

The Labor member for the Victorian seat of Dunkley, Peta Murphy, has died aged 50 after a long struggle with cancer.

Murphy was in the House of Representatives as recently as last week, asking a question on Tuesday about housing.

Her bravery throughout her illness has been greatly admired by parliamentary colleagues. She has been a strong advocate for breast cancer sufferers – her solidarity publicly reinforced by her decision not to wear a wig.

A highly emotional Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Murphy at a Monday news conference, saying “the Labor family is broken-hearted”.

Murphy died at home surrounded by her family including husband Rod and her parents.

“Peta Murphy was brave, she was courageous, and she was loved,” Albanese said. “Peta Murphy was the strongest of local members, the most inspiring of colleagues. And the very best kind of friend.

“To attend a community event with Peta was to bask in her glow.”

“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.

“From the squash court to the law courts, to the House of Representatives, everything that Peta Murphy did she did with her whole heart.”

Murphy was elected in 2019; shortly before being sworn in, she found out her cancer had returned.

Albanese recalled the words of her first speech to parliament when she said, “I’m neither unique nor alone in the fight I’m about to take on.”

The prime minister said it was “the best first speech I have ever heard.
And what a fighter she was”.

Before entering parliament Murphy worked as a lawyer and as a political staffer.

Murphy’s death will trigger a byelection in Dunkley, in Melbourne, which is on a margin of 6.27%.