Australian Labor candidate Ali France has won the seat of Dickson, taking it from opposition leader Peter Dutton. The 49-year-old Labor candidate, who was born without a leg and has been living with her disability for over a decade, campaigned on easing the cost of living and investing in public healthcare. In her maiden campaign in 2019, France won 45.4% of the vote, increasing her share to 48.3% in 2022.
Dutton, who held the seat for 24 years, is the first federal opposition leader to lose his own seat. France’s family has relied heavily on Medicare and highlighted the importance of healthcare investment during her campaign. In a personal statement, France said she was inspired to run for office to advocate for people with disabilities.
The Labor Party website stated that Dutton had previously apologized to France for suggesting she was using her disability as an “excuse” for not living in the Dickson electorate at the time. France has been campaigning on issues such as tax cuts, lower medicine costs, and expanded paid parental leave. Her eldest son Henry died from leukemia in February 2024, but she said he would be proud of her for running for office.
France’s victory marks a significant shift in the seat, which has been held by Dutton since 2001. The outcome is seen as a major win for Labor and a notable achievement for France, who has become an inspiration to many with her personal story and determination to advocate for disability rights.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20xwxnev8po