After a long battle with metastatic breast cancer, Peta Murphy is remembered as a fearless advocate for her community. In the high-stakes, high-stress world of federal politics, it might seem unusual that the prevailing memory of a politician would be a positive one – that of laughter – but it’s absolutely the case with the Dunkley federal Labor MP who died at home on December 4 aged 50, surrounded by her husband Rod and close family.
I was lucky to have worked for Peta last year, and when I say lucky it’s not a throwaway line. To be in Peta’s orbit and work in her office felt akin to being plucked out of the audience by a rock goddess and pulled up on stage. Being part of Peta’s team wasn’t your typical 9-to-5 gig. She had a knack for assembling a crew who clicked; the people I worked with were awe-inspiring individuals in their own right, bound by shared values, a commitment to making a difference, and plenty of laughs. It didn’t hurt that Peta occasionally brought her adorable labradors, Bert and Ernie, into the office for pats and cuddles.
Naturally, there were a lot of serious moments, navigating the ins and outs of federal politics, but there was always room for jokes. We were a team with a leader who had a razor-sharp wit, a steady supply of comebacks, a knack for a perfectly timed sarcastic comment, and a withering eye roll that never failed to crack us up.
She fostered an environment where we could rib her about her dancing ability – questionable, despite her protestations – or the hilarious outtakes from video and photo shoots, showcasing a rare and delightful quality in a leader: humility. Her self-deprecating humour made her not just a brilliant politician but also a top-notch human being.
It won’t surprise anyone who met her to know that Peta’s journey into Parliament followed a distinguished career devoted to social justice and community welfare. From roles in the Victorian justice system, volunteering at her community legal centre and serving as a solicitor advocate to becoming a senior public defender at Victoria Legal Aid, a barrister, and a team leader at the Victorian Law Reform Commission, Peta’s commitment to making a positive impact defined her path.
Elected in 2019, she proudly became the first woman to represent Dunkley, a legacy echoing the trailblazing efforts of Louisa Dunkley, a union leader and feminist in the early 1900s who campaigned for equal pay for women.
In her maiden speech in Parliament, delivered just weeks after receiving a re-diagnosis of the breast cancer that had initially surfaced in 2011, Peta paid homage to the fearless literary character Pippi Longstocking. Pippi’s friend, Annika, cautions her against challenging “the world’s strongest man”, to which Pippi confidently responds: “Man, yes. But I am the world’s strongest girl. Remember that.”
Beyond the laughter, the other things that stood out about Peta were her work ethic and compassion. It was widely acknowledged on both sides of politics that she was unrivalled in these areas – although she’d hate me saying that. I can see her now, giving me that well-honed eye roll. After her death, the House of Representatives sat for a condolence motion, moved by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said: “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.” His sentiments were echoed by scores of politicians, including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
Peta was a dynamic force in the community, forging connections and providing tangible assistance to people from all walks of life. Her authenticity and hands-on approach left an indelible mark, evident in her resounding re-election in 2022 with an increased margin. Attempts by her staff to encourage her to take just one day off a week were usually met with spirited resistance, as Peta often took the opportunity to meet community groups and leaders, disguising it as a casual coffee catch-up.
A self-proclaimed “squash tragic”, she represented NSW, ACT and Victoria at junior and senior levels and went on to win gold medals at the Australian Masters, US Masters and World Masters Games. Off-court, she held key leadership roles in national and international squash organisations.
Despite facing health challenges that are beyond the comprehension of most of us, Peta’s resolve remained unyielding. She was a champion of so many varied causes: breast cancer, the arts, women’s health, local sport, and the Voice to Parliament, to name a few. She was the chair of a committee that fiercely confronted the powerful betting industry, ultimately contributing to a landmark report advocating for the ban of online gambling ads within three years.
Even at the end, Peta didn’t relent. She travelled to Canberra to launch a Breast Cancer Network Australia report and was admitted to hospital the day after her final appearance in Parliament, mere days before her death.
Beyond the corridors of power, Peta’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, determination, and the transformative power of a genuine human connection. In such a short time in politics, Peta had an impact on so many.
She didn’t just give us singular moments that will be left behind; she’s still present in the vast body of work she undertook and her countless achievements. Her loss will be felt keenly by her many friends and acquaintances, and by her best friend and biggest supporter: Rod.
We were given something extraordinary by having Peta represent Dunkley, and rather than moving on, I know we’ll move forward with her, forever influenced by her legacy.
I hope that somewhere in the great beyond there are plenty of Peta’s favourite things: squash courts, labradors, a good gin and tonic, and lots of laughs. Vale Peta, our very own “world’s strongest girl”.
SARAH HALFPENNY
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