Purdie was raised in Zillmere, north Brisbane, Queensland, and attended Padua College.
[1] The second son, his father was a cabinetmaker before becoming a music teacher, and his mother caring for the family.
[1] He has been the Liberal National Party member for Ninderry in the Queensland Legislative Assembly since 2017, in the new electorate.
[5][1] Following the immediate resignation of Trevor Watts on 28 April 2020, Purdie was made the Shadow Minister for Police.
[2][6] With the LNP winning the election in Queensland after 26 October 2024, he became the Minister for Police and Community Safety.