Late Labor MP Peta Murphy has been farewelled in a moving ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The sport-loving politician, who represented the Victorian seat of Dunkley, tragically died on December 4 after a long battle with cancer.
Senior Labor politicians including Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Treasurer Jim Chalmers fought back tears throughout the service.
They were joined by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, Sport Minister Anika Wells and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also in the crowd, and delivered a moving speech paying tribute to his ‘brilliant, funny, courageous’ colleague.
He said: ‘It is so hard, so cruel, so unfair to think we will never see her bright and shining smile again’
‘We’ll never again get told off for making fun of squash,’ he said, to laughter.
‘Every tribute paid to Peta has quite rightly spoken about how hard she worked, how much she achieved in such a small period of time, how much better her community and the nation were for her contribution.
‘ has been denied more of what Peta had to give.’
Late Labor MP Peta Murphy has been farewelled in a moving ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Senior Labor politicians including Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Treasurer Jim Chalmers fought back tears throughout the service
First elected in 2019, Ms Murphy’s breast cancer returned just two weeks before she was sworn in to parliament.
She was a squash champion and former softball national league player who represented the NSW, ACT and Victoria at various levels, and went on to win gold medals at the n Masters, US Masters and World Masters Games.
Off the court, she held roles including president of Squash and Racquetball Victoria and vice president of Squash .
Ms Murphy was also a member of the World Squash Federation governance and audit committee.
The Victorian barrister was honoured in parliament with condolence speeches earlier this month.
Senior Labor politicians including Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Treasurer Jim Chalmers fought back tears throughout the service
Leading the speeches, Anthony Albanese vowed parliament would keep the glow of the late MP in their heart
Leading the speeches, Mr Albanese vowed Ms Murphy’s parliamentary colleagues would keep the glow of the late MP in their hearts.
He praised her courage in choosing not to hide her treatment despite the loss of her hair.
‘She wanted to signify that cancer can affect anyone, members of parliament, in whatever job you have,’ he told 2GB radio on Friday morning.
‘She was just a strong advocate, a courageous, brilliant young woman who passed far too soon.
‘I’m sure that members from across the political spectrum will be there at the MCG this afternoon.’
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor will attend his former chief of staff’s funeral, as will a number of staffers in his office who worked with her.
‘Peta was a remarkable person and a generous friend,’ he said. ‘She was brilliant, funny, and brave. She will be missed terribly.’
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, Sport Minister Anika Wells and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles were also in attendance
Senior Labor ministers arriving at the service