Georgie Purcell

Georgie Purcell (born 13 July 1992) is an Australian politician. She is a member of the Victorian Legislative Council representing Northern Victoria since November 2022. Purcell is a member of the Animal Justice Party.

Early life and education
Purcell is a former lawyer and holds a double degree in law and communications/politics.

She worked part-time as a stripper, a pole dancer, and a topless waitress while studying at university, but sought to keep it secret from her peers. She resigned these jobs after it was made public without her permission, leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Early career
Following completion of her studies, she worked as a digital campaigner at United Voice (now United Workers Union), a communications adviser at Industry Super Australia, and as Chief of Staff to Andy Meddick prior to being elected to the Victorian Parliament.

Parliament
Purcell was elected fourth of five members for Northern Victoria in the 2022 Victorian state election, representing the Animal Justice Party.

She believes that her work experience while studying has given her strong skills in dealing with difficult people. She also has the "cliche combo" of being a lawyer and former union official.

In January 2024, Purcell criticised Nine News Melbourne for using a digitally altered image of her with "enlarged boobs" and an exposed midriff, which were not present in the original image, citing it as an example of discrimination and "the constant sexualisation and objectification" of women. Nine News Melbourne director Hugh Nailon stated that "the automation by Photoshop created an image that was not consistent with the original", and apologised to Purcell. Adobe refuted the claim that the photo was automatically edited, with a spokesperson saying: "Any changes to this image would have required human intervention and approval".

Personal life
Purcell has been previously married, and as of July 2024, she is in a new relationship with federal Labor Party MP Josh Burns.