MPs Josh Burns and Georgie Purcell Welcome Daughter Lilah Poppy Purcell
Lilah Poppy Purcell, daughter of federal Labor MP Josh Burns representing Macnamara and Victorian Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell representing northern Victoria, was born on Friday 19 December, weighing 2.56 kg. Lilah was born at 37 weeks and five days gestation.
The name Lilah Poppy Purcell reflects the couple’s political affiliations: Lilah (lilac) aligns with the Animal Justice party color and Poppy (red) aligns with Labor. The birth was announced on social media, and Purcell described Lilah as an inspiration, stating she plans to return to Parliament to advocate for a fairer and kinder world.
Purcell has paused work and intends to resume her parliamentary duties when sessions begin in February, with plans to recontest the November 2026 state election. Burns has a daughter named Tia from a previous relationship and has said he will raise both daughters to be proud of their Jewish heritage, referencing the need to address safety following the recent Bondi attack.
The couple publicly revealed their relationship in 2024, including a public debut at Canberra’s Midwinter Ball. They announced the pregnancy about a year ago, amid Purcell’s high-risk autoimmune condition and weekly medical checks. Their relationship has attracted public interest, particularly due to Purcell’s stance on Palestinian recognition and their cross-party partnership.
