Labor MP Peta Murphy has died at the age of 50, after a long battle with breast cancer.
A beloved, wife, mother, daughter, sister and a Member for Dunkley, Murphy’s family shared on Instagram that she was at home surrounded by loved ones and “died the way she lived – with dignity and strength and a touch of sarcasm to boot.”
Murphy was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and after recovering, her cancer returned in 2019. Shortly after, she became the first woman elected to represent the Dunkley electorate.
In her maiden speech, Murphy quoted from children’s book character Pippi Longstocking, who responded to being told she couldn’t beat a circus strongman because ‘he’s the strongest man in the world’, by saying “Man, yes… but I’m the strongest girl in the world, remember that.”
Referencing this power move, Murphy’s loved one’s also wrote in her tribute that “We loved her deeply and are so, so proud of her achievements, her character and her courage. She was indeed the strongest girl of all.”
Known for her commitment to social justice and her community, Murphy was in Parliament just last Tuesday to support a national registry for metastatic cancer patients.
“It was so true to Peta’s character that she channelled her personal battle with breast cancer into public policy, advocating always for others: for better treatment, more services and stronger support,” said an emotional Prime Minister Anthonly Albanese as he announced Murphy’s death.
In a press conference in Canberra on Monday, Albansese said his government is “broken hearted” over her passing.
“Peta Murphy was brave, she was courageous, and she was loved. 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 … This will be a difficult period of grieving, but we will always carry her glow in our hearts.”
Prior to entering Parliament, Murphy was a senior public defender at Victorian Legal Aid and a barrister. She was married to her husband Rod Glover for 24 years.
As MP for Dunkley and following her cancer diagnosis, Murphy used her first speech in Parliament to say: “I am neither unique nor alone in the fight I am about to take on.”
Referencing her words, Albanese told reporters on Monday that, “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.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Murphy from all who knew her, describing the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.