‘A bit unique’: MPs Josh Burns, Georgie Purcell are expecting a baby girl

Federal MP Josh Burns and Victorian MP Georgie Purcell have announced they are expecting a baby girl early in 2026.

The pair made social media announcements on Sunday, with Purcell revealing she was receiving weekly medical checks as her pregnancy was deemed high-risk due to Purcell’s autoimmune disease.

Burns is a Labor Party member for the Melbourne seat of Macnamara and Purcell is an Animal Justice Party member and sits in the Legislative Council representing Northern Victoria.

Purcell also declared she would be running for re-election in the 2026 state election and planned to return to work in February.

She published a detailed Instagram post about the pregnancy, including thanking the couple’s closest friends for keeping the news private until they chose to make it public.

“This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby) and 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 the job,” Purcell wrote.

“But this new stage hasn’t been without its challenges - some of you have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease. It means I’m navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness and because of the range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category.”

She thanked the medical staff who have cared for her during weekly medical check-ups, calling them “incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive”.

Burns said his baby daughter would have a loving big sister in his daughter Tia whom he had with his ex-wife.

“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 wrote.

“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 added she understood their different political allegiances would create some interest in their pregnancy.

“I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique and there is bound to be interest in it,” Purcell wrote.

“While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so I ask that we are granted respect and privacy just like anybody else (but I do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share).”

Burns was re-elected for his third term in his seat during the federal election in May.

Purcell said she planned to work as long as possible and that she would continue to advocate for the issues she cares about, including abortion rights, animal welfare and the environment.

“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 wrote.

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