Ali France has made her mark in Australian politics by becoming the first Labor candidate to defeat a sitting opposition leader, Peter Dutton, in the federal election for the Dickson seat. Despite being told she had little chance of success due to Dutton’s popularity and resources, France proved the naysayers wrong.
Her journey to parliament has been far from easy. Over the past seven years, France has faced considerable personal challenges, including a life-altering accident in 2011 that resulted in the amputation of her left leg. While shopping with her son, Zac, an elderly driver lost control of his vehicle, pinning France against another car. Fortunately, Zac escaped unharmed, but the incident forced France to confront severe physical and mental trials during her recovery.
Despite these hardships, including comments that diminished her worth based solely on her appearance and disability, France showed remarkable resilience. She became a champion canoeist and a staunch advocate for people with disabilities, eventually turning her focus onto politics. Her drive to succeed intensified when her eldest son, Henry, was diagnosed with leukaemia at just 18 years old. Although he was initially expected to recover, complications arose, eventually leading to his passing in February last year. France has expressed the immense pain of losing her son, asserting that it only strengthened her commitment to fight for those issues she values most.
Throughout her political campaign, she faced scrutiny for referencing her son’s struggle, with some suggesting she was exploiting his memory for gain. However, France remains undeterred, stating she will continue to speak about Henry, whom she will always carry with her.
Drawing from her experiences—both the triumphs and tragedies—France envisions making a meaningful impact in parliament, aiming to enhance representation for those affected by disability and health issues. She hopes her unique perspective will foster understanding and bring about positive changes within the government, driving her to be a formidable advocate for her constituents in Canberra. France’s unwavering determination reflects a commitment not only to her late son’s memory but to the broader community she serves.