Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

When I was elected to this place in 2019 I had the absolute privilege of coming in with the class of 2019—a great bunch of people, all different in a variety of ways. I'm pleased to say that one of those MPs was Peta Murphy, the member for Dunkley. I hadn't met Peta before, but during our many 'class of 2019' orientation sessions Peta's personality, experience and what she stood for shone through. I quickly learned that Peta, from her work as the chief of staff to the shadow minister for workplace relations, had a wealth of knowledge. Peta knew processes and knew so many people. She was so confident, had the most amazing personality and whip-smart humour, and always took the time to listen and care. I also learned that Peta was absolutely squash mad—a point that, over the years, I would hear about over and over! I quickly learned that Peta could also be very, very loud and persistent, which are two more very special qualities that Peta had and used for the benefit of her constituents and our nation.

I think we all remember Peta's first speech in this place. The revelation and, I would say, shock to us all was that Peta's cancer had come back. But, true to Peta's personality, she just got on with things. Peta was here to serve her constituents, and that is what she did. Not a day went by in the parliament that Peta would not be flying the flag for her constituents. Peta was a true listener and a reformer. She would always speak on lots of legislation and was always there to speak when needed. Peta had some absolutely brilliant speeches, and her speech on her reaction to the Morrison government's plan for women fleeing domestic violence to use their retirement savings was an absolute corker; she nailed it.

Peta certainly knew what she was talking about. She was a lawyer, a researcher, a networker and completely dedicated to doing what is right for fairness for women and all people. Peta poured herself into reforming legislation particularly around women's health and superannuation, and had a special knack, I noticed, for talking on financial legislation—and, of course, she promoted breast cancer awareness and prevention, and women's health in general.

Even though Peta herself had cancer, she never let it define her. Peta, true to form and in that true Peta way, used her voice to help others. Even after the cancer returned and we knew that she was battling extreme illness, Peta was always here in parliament, supporting her colleagues and the parliament she loved, representing her constituents and fighting the good fight for better legislation and a better Australia. She simply never gave up. That same old dogged determination that I saw from day one was still there.

I am still in awe of Peta Murphy. I am pinching myself that it was just last Tuesday that I was sitting next to Peta. We were still chatting, and Peta was still doing what she did best—supporting her colleagues, the parliament and her community. And Peta asked a question in question time. I had no idea it would be the last time we would see Peta.

Our country is poorer for Peta's passing, but I reckon Peta would be telling us to just get on with it and pass legislation that will help fix people's lives for the better. My sincere condolences go to Peta's family: her husband, Rod; her mum and dad, Jan and Bob—Peta often talked about them; and her sisters, Jodi and Penni, and to all those many people in this place that loved Peta too. May everyone take some comfort in the legacy that Peta Murphy leaves behind.

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