Labour MP Josh Burns has announced he will take an extended period of leave from federal parliament to become the primary carer for his newborn daughter. His decision comes as his partner, Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, prepares to campaign in the upcoming Victorian state election.
A Shared Responsibility: Politics and Parenthood
Speaking on ABC's Politics Now podcast, Burns spoke openly about the immense pressure of balancing a political career with a young family. He and Purcell welcomed their daughter, Lilah, on December 23. Burns outlined his plan to take substantial paternity leave in 2026, coinciding with Purcell's bid to re-contest her seat in the Victorian Legislative Council.
'I will be doing a lot of looking after our beautiful daughter, and I will be making sure that I can help support Georgie be a member of parliament too,' Burns stated. He emphasised that childcare is a shared duty, saying, 'This is not her responsibility, it's ours. I'm stressed about how I'm going to manage it because it's really hard… but I'll find a way to make it work.'
Prime Ministerial Support and a Changing Parliament
Burns revealed he discussed his decision with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was 'really generous' in his response. Albanese, who raised his son while married to former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, reflected on his own experiences.
'He told me he understood because he'd been through something similar,' Burns shared. 'He said it was hard, but the kind of parliament we want is one that makes this possible.'
Burns, who holds a significant role in shaping Labour's housing policy, expressed a firm desire not to miss his daughter's early years. 'I'm loving my roles right now in housing… How do I manage that without compromising on missing out on time with people I love?' he questioned.
He is optimistic that the increasing number of younger MPs will normalise parental leave in politics. 'It's not just 60-year-old blokes anymore, which is a wonderful thing,' Burns said. 'One of the things I'd like to do when my daughter is old enough is bring her here and make it work around this building.'
Confronting the Toll of Antisemitism
During the same podcast episode, recorded before the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, Burns also addressed the distressing impact of antisemitism he has faced. In June 2024, his Melbourne office was vandalised in a targeted attack.
Windows were smashed, fires were lit, and the phrase 'Zionism is fascism' was spray-painted across his photograph. Burns described it as 'one of the darkest days,' adding, 'It was difficult and distressing. But I really appreciate the outpouring of support from the Jewish community and from everyone who reached out. It meant a lot.'
His candid discussion underscores the multifaceted pressures on modern politicians, from navigating parenthood to confronting hate, while striving to make Westminster more adaptable to contemporary life.
