Peta Murphy dies after long illness

PETA Murphy, the member for Dunkley since 2019, has died.

Murphy passed away on the afternoon of 4 December aged just 50. Her family was by her side.

In 2011, Murphy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was re-diagnosed in 2019 shortly after her election.

Murphy was married to husband Rod Glover for more than 20 years. Glover released a joint statement alongside Murphy’s parents and sisters Bob, Jan, Jodi and Penni on the day she died.

“I am devastated to have to inform you of the passing of our wonderful wife, daughter and sister, and always your member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy. Peta left us this afternoon, having had her final days surrounded by family at home – just as she wanted it,” the family’s statement read.

“We loved her deeply and are so, so proud of her achievements, her character and her courage.

She was indeed the strongest girl of all. Still giving sassy advice until the very end – she died the way she lived – with dignity and strength and a touch of sarcasm to boot.

“Peta loved and worked for her community until the very last days of her life – being in Parliament this last Tuesday before being hospitalised on Wednesday. Over recent days, we have received so many messages of love and offers of support from Peta’s army of close friends. We will forever be grateful for your support of us during this period, but even more so for your love of our beautiful Peta.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that he was devastated to learn of Murphy’s passing.

“Every one of us in the Labor family is broken hearted by the death of our beloved Peta Murphy,” he said. “At this saddest of times we offer our deepest sympathies to her loving husband Rod and all her family.”