Labor frontbencher Kate Ellis’ husband revealed some exciting news this morning on his radio show.
In between interviews, David Penberthy let slip that the Federal MP for Adelaide is pregnant with their second child.
His co-host was so surprised by the news he asked if Penberthy “thought the mics were off”.
Ms Ellis announced her resignation from politics last week, but said the pregnancy played no role in her decision to retire.
“I was really honest last week about things,” Ms Ellis said.
“Whether or not I was pregnant with this child made no impact on that decision.”
The Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education & Development informed her constituents that she will not be standing as a candidate at the next federal election so she can spend more time with her family.
“I have made this decision for one simple reason: I cannot bear the thought of spending at least 20 weeks of every year in Canberra away from my son, who will be starting school in the next term of Parliament, and from the rest of my family,” she said.
“Ultimately, we all have to make choices and I know that regularly missing things like my son’s first day at school, his first sporting match, or even just tucking him in at night or being there when he is sick and wants his mum, would make me absolutely miserable.”
A feeling that is no doubt familiar to all working mums.
Her surprising announcement has raised concerns about how hard it is to be a mother and work in politics, especially considering Australian government’s gender imbalance.
Ms Ellis will continue in her current position until the next election.
“I absolutely intend to represent the people of Adelaide to the best of my ability for the months and years until the next federal election.”
Ms Ellis and Mr Penberthy have three children together already, including two from Mr Penberthy’s first marriage, one of whom is a toddler who travels with Ms Ellis to Canberra when she needs to attend parliament.
