Key Takeaways:
- Federal MP Josh Burns and his partner, Victorian MP Georgie Purcell, have welcomed their first child, Lilah.
- Purcell is determined to raise her daughters to be proud of their Jewish heritage and to express it openly and safely in Australia.
- The family has faced challenges, including vandalism targeting Burns’ office due to his connection to the Jewish community.
- Purcell has spoken out about her experiences with sexual harassment as a politician and is not the first Victorian MP to give birth while in office.
Introduction to the New Addition
Federal MP Josh Burns and his partner, Victorian MP Georgie Purcell, have recently welcomed their first child, Lilah, to their family. Burns took to Facebook to express his joy and admiration for Purcell, calling her a "superhero" for her strength and dedication to their new baby. Purcell, who was born at 37 weeks and five days, has brought immense joy to the family, and her mother is grateful for her arrival. As Purcell mentioned, Lilah has come at a time when their family desperately needed her, and she is already making a significant impact on their lives.
The Importance of Heritage and Identity
Purcell is determined to raise both of her daughters, including her new baby Lilah and her older daughter from a previous relationship, to be proud of their Jewish heritage. She wants them to express their identity openly and safely in Australia, which is a crucial aspect of their upbringing. This is particularly significant given the challenges that the family has faced, including vandalism targeting Burns’ office due to his connection to the Jewish community. Despite these challenges, Purcell is committed to ensuring that her daughters grow up with a strong sense of pride and identity.
Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Barriers
Purcell has been an advocate for women’s rights and has spoken out about her experiences with sexual harassment as a politician. She has used her platform to raise awareness about these issues and to support other women who may be facing similar challenges. Prior to the arrival of Lilah, Purcell spoke on the floor of parliament about her experiences being sexually harassed as a political staffer and politician on Spring Street. Her courage and determination have made her a role model for many women, and she continues to break barriers and challenge societal norms.
A New Chapter in Life
Becoming a mother was not part of Purcell’s original plan, but she has quickly realized that she cannot imagine life without her new baby. Lilah has brought a new sense of purpose and meaning to her life, and she is grateful for the opportunity to be a mother. As Purcell mentioned, "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." This new chapter in her life has also made her more aware of the importance of the decisions she makes, as she wants to ensure that her daughters grow up in a world that is safe, loving, and kind.
A Family Affair
Burns has another daughter, Tia, from a previous marriage, and he is excited to welcome Lilah to their family. He has been supportive of Purcell throughout her pregnancy and has been involved in the process of becoming a new father. The family is thrilled to have Lilah as a part of their lives, and they are looking forward to watching her grow and develop. As Burns mentioned, "Children are not born with hate. My daughters will be raised in a home with love, safety and kindness." This commitment to raising their daughters with love, safety, and kindness is a testament to the values that the family holds dear.
Breaking Barriers in Politics
Purcell is not the first Victorian MP to give birth while in office, but she is part of a growing number of women who are challenging societal norms and breaking barriers in politics. Ellen Sandell, the current Greens leader in Victoria, became the first woman to breastfeed in parliament since Kirstie Marshall in 2003. Marshall was famously ejected from parliament for breastfeeding her 11-day-old daughter during a session. These women are paving the way for future generations of female politicians and are helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in politics.
Conclusion
The arrival of Lilah has brought immense joy to the family, and her mother is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of her life. As Purcell mentioned, "Lilah is my daily reminder that the decisions we make now will echo for generations." This sense of responsibility and purpose is a testament to the values that the family holds dear, and they are committed to raising their daughters to be proud of their heritage and to express it openly and safely in Australia. The family’s story is an inspiration to many, and it highlights the importance of love, kindness, and acceptance in creating a better world for future generations.
