Wednesday, 4 February 2026

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (09:49): Over the summer break we welcomed Lilah Poppy Purcell into the world. The past few weeks getting to know our little girl have been a dream for Josh and me. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we have one of the best. But today in particular I want to acknowledge the incredible team at the Royal Women’s Hospital, who made sure my pregnancy was as seamless as possible. I have an autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s, which categorised me as a high-risk patient. This meant I was monitored weekly by the maternal fetal medicine clinic to ensure that everything was okay and that Lilah’s little heart was operating the way it should. I fear I will run out of time to truly acknowledge everyone, but I want to give a few shout-outs. To my midwife Jesmen, thank you. To our obstetrician Ini, thank you for making sure you could accommodate the chaotic schedules of two MPs in two different parliaments. To the sonographers, especially Hayden, for the reassurance you provided by ensuring little Lilah’s heart was tracking well, and to the surgery staff, particularly my surgeon Anthony, who all calmed my nerves and made me feel safe, thank you. Finally, to the nurses and midwives on the ward, including Hadas, Caitlyn and Kate: I am forever grateful for your care. We hear a lot when things go wrong in the public health system, but it is important to acknowledge when things go right. I could not be more grateful to have received the compassionate care throughout, from my first appointment to my final check-in and birth.