Victorian Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell and federal Labor MP Josh Burns have revealed they are expecting a child together.
The unlikely political coupling — a vegan pro-Palestine activist and a Jewish divorced dad — are expecting a baby girl in early 2026.
“Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she’ll have a home full of animals, love, and fun,” Burns, the MP for Macnamara, revealed on social media on Sunday.
“Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way.
“I’m over the moon excited and can’t wait for this next chapter with my beautiful partner, Georgie, who I love with all my heart.”
Purcell said they had kept the secret under wraps, but were excited to share the news.
“This is obviously a vegan pregnancy!’’ she said.
“I’ve been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job.”
However, Purcell said this life stage was not without challenges and risks.
“Some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my auto-immune disease, it means I’m navigating pregnancy and chronic illness … I am officially in the high-risk category,” she said.
“It’s weekly hospital visits for the time being. And I’m so grateful to the incredibly kind and reassuring and supportive medical care I’ve been receiving.”
Purcell said people might wonder if she would contesting the Victorian election in November 2026.
“Absolutely yes. I’ll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I’ll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election,” she said.
“I know that two members having two different parliaments, having a baby is a bit unique, and there’s bound to be interest in it.
“While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so I ask that we’re granted respect and privacy, just like anybody else, but I do look forward to sharing the parts of you that we are willing to share.”
Purcell also said many people would know this wasn’t her first pregnancy, “but it is the first I’ve chosen to continue”.
“As I prepare for motherhood, I carry with me the stories of my abortions,” she posted.
“They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am.
“I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to do the same.”
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