Why Labor MP Josh Burns is stepping back from politics to be a stay-at-home dad as his partner Georgie Purcell hits the campaign trail
New dad Josh Burns has spoken about parenthood, revealing how he and partner Georgie Purcell plan to juggle the challenges of raising a child while being MPs.
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By NICHOLAS COMINO, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 03:25 GMT, 30 December 2025 | Updated: 03:45 GMT, 30 December 2025
Labor MP Josh Burns will take extended leave from federal parliament to care for his newborn daughter as his partner Georgie Purcell gears up for a state election.
Burns spoke candidly about the overwhelming demands of political life, surging antisemitism, and his discussion with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about stepping back from Canberra on ABC's Politics Now podcast.
He outlined his plans to take extended paternity leave in 2026 as Ms Purcell, an Animal Justice Party MP, prepares to re-contest her seat in the Victorian Legislative Council after welcoming baby Lilah on December 23.
'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 said.
'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.'
Burns said Albanese had been 'really generous' about the decision and had reflected on raising his son while married to former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt.
'He told me he understood because he'd been through something similar. He said it was hard, but the kind of parliament we want is one that makes this possible.'
Burns, who plays a key role in shaping Labor's housing policy, said he is determined not to miss his daughter's early years.
Josh Burns (left) and Georgie Purcell (right) welcomed their daughter Lilah on December 23
Burns (right) said he would be taking up a primary carer role when Purcell (left) returns to work
Josh Burns (left) spoke to Anthony Albanese being a parent while also an MP
'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 said.
He is confident the next generation of younger MPs will soon make parental leave routine in politics.
'It's not just 60-year-old blokes anymore, which is a wonderful thing,' he said.