Federal MP Peta Murphy dies aged 50 after cancer battle
Federal Labor MP Peta Murphy has died at the age of 50 after a long battle with cancer.
Murphy, the Member for Dunkley, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 at just 37 years of age.
A tearful Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her death in a press conference in Canberra a short time ago.
“A short time ago Peta Murphy passed away at home, which was her wish,” he 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 brokenhearted.”
Murphy underwent a double mastectomy but her cancer returned in 2019, just days before she was sworn in as an MP.
The prime minister referred to Murphy’s maiden speech to parliament, which she gave shortly after finding out her cancer was metastatic.
“Peta received the news her cancer had returned two weeks prior to being sworn in as an MP,” he said.
“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’.
“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.”
Albanese said Murphy channelled her battle with cancer battle into her policymaking.
“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 said.
“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.”
MPs from across the political spectrum pay tribute
Leading the outpouring of tributes, Defence Minister Richard Marles described Murphy as “one of the bravest people I have ever met”.
“It was an honour to know and work with Peta Murphy,” he tweeted.
“She was asking questions in Question Time just last week. Her time in the Parliament has been an inspiration to us all.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said immense sadness came with Murphy’s passing.
“It’s hard to convey just how wonderful Peta Murphy was, an absolute gem of a person, so kind and so compassionate, so fun and so real,” he said.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said it was “devastating news”.
“Even before she entered Parliament, Peta was respected in Victoria as a fighter for people’s rights. We’re all poorer without her,” he said.
“Our condolences to her family, friends and the broader Labor movement.”
In a statement, Nationals leader David Littleproud said the party was deeply saddened by Murphy’s passing.
“The Member for Dunkley was brave, inspiring and courageous in her health battle and never wavered from her commitment to Parliament and the community,” the statement read.
“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.
“The Nationals send their deepest condolences to Peta’s family during this difficult period.”
‘What is politics for if not to make a difference?’
Murphy opened up about her cancer journey with Today reporter Christine Ahern earlier this year.
She revealed she had to change her treatment to chemotherapy late last year, which had caused her hair to fall out.
But instead of hiding away, the Labor MP returned to 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,” she said.
“What are you in politics for if it’s not to make a difference and make a difference to other people’s lives?”
Murphy said it took “a Pippi Longstocking-type of strength” to be able to advocate for her community while battling 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?” she said.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be attained it’s a way of looking at life.”
