Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
Ali France, the newly elected Labor MP, expressed her feelings after securing the Queensland seat of Dickson from former Opposition leader Peter Dutton.
In response to being asked about her feelings on “slaying a dragon”, she summed it up in one word: “grateful”.
“I thank the people of Dickson, regardless of whether you voted for me or not, or if you supported Labor for the first time. I’m genuinely very grateful,” she shared with Sky News.
France, who ran for the seat for the third time, acknowledged that the win was “a bit unexpected”.

“I anticipated a much closer race than it turned out to be, but I remained hopeful,” France stated.

In his, Dutton said he had called France and said she will “do a good job as a local member”.
The major win comes after a tough year, having lost her eldest son Henry to leukaemia early last year.
France said her late son’s strength has been a motivator throughout her campaign.
“He would say to me, No, Mum, you have to do this… I know you’re going to win this time,” she said.

“I feel he’s been with me throughout this journey. Even though it’s been challenging, I’ve continually thought about his strength in his journey, which has motivated me.”

Who is Ali France?
France is a single mother-of-two who has been working in the community for the past seven years.
She became passionate about pursuing politics following her difficulties navigating the healthcare system after being hit by a car as a pedestrian and losing a leg in 2011.

Her younger son, Zac, who was with her at the time of the accident, was seen with his mum casting her vote today.

A woman in a red blazer putting a piece of paper into a ballot box.

Labor’s Ali France, with her son Zac, votes at Albany Creek State School in Moreton Bay, Queensland. Source: AAP / Jono Searle

On election morning, France spoke to SBS News’ Andrew Chappelle that she felt hopeful but that a result her way would not come from luck.

“We’ve worked exceptionally hard for seven years in this seat … People know me, they know what I stand for.”

In March, France mentioned to SBS News that she believed Dutton was “out of touch” with the concerns of the Dickson community, particularly with issues like traffic congestion.

“He hasn’t supported any cost of living relief and that’s probably the biggest issue in this community,” she said.
“We’ve [Labor] delivered lots of cost of living relief, including tax cuts for all workers, free TAFE, cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines, invested a heap into Medicare.”
Last election, single mother-of-two Ali France tightened the race in Dickson, gaining a 2.94 per cent swing that saw Labor achieve 48.3 per cent of the vote after preferences.
Last election, France tightened the race in Dickson to a slim 1.7 percent — making it
Dutton is the first Opposition leader to lose his seat during an election.
Prime ministers have lost their seats at elections before, notably former Liberal leader John Howard, who lost his seat of Bennelong in the 2007 election.
For the latest from SBS News, and .
Visit the to access articles, podcasts and videos from SBS News, NITV and our teams covering more than 60 languages. 
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like
Babawru Akuntsu, top, rests beside Akyp, her newborn son

Miraculous Birth Revives Endangered Amazonian Tribe: A New Dawn for Survival

Pugapia and her daughters, Aiga and Babawru, have long been the last…
Shark warning after Sydney deluge floods city

Shark Alert Issued Following Sydney Flooding

Sydney swimmers are urged to be wary of sharks after the city…

Discover the Timeline to Achieve Your Dream Property ‘Pinch Me’ Moment

In brief Patricia Nicula has just bought her first home in Queensland,…
Harry Brook's attempts to protect his team-mates have strengthened his standing within the England dressing room

Harry Brook’s Leadership Journey: Embracing Maturity, Building Bonds, and Earning Team Respect

Earlier in the week, just before his electrifying century propelled England into…

US-Iran Negotiations Show Promising Progress: Will a Historic Deal Emerge?

IN brief Iran and the United States have ended talks in Geneva…
Thieves swipe $40,000 of rescue gear from SES depot

Thieves Steal $40,000 in Vital Rescue Equipment from SES Depot, Raising Concerns Over Emergency Response

Thieves made off with $40,000 of crucial SES rescue equipment after breaking…

Controversy Persists Over Allegations of Racism in Incoming NT Administrator David Connolly’s Past Social Media Posts

In Brief David Connolly is being sworn in as the Northern Territory’s…

Shocking Arrest of Larrakia Elder Amid Heated NT Administrator Protests: Uncover the Controversy

On Friday morning, a significant gathering of protesters convened in a park…
Raymond Reddington, Sharon Fulton

Justice Served: Husband Found Guilty in Decades-Old Cold Case Murder of Wife

It’s been nearly 40 years since Sharon Fulton went missing in Western…
Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton Faces Congress: Denies Knowledge of Epstein’s Activities

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told US House lawmakers on…
WFH and four-day weeks impacting CBD businesses

The Decline of Friday Night Socials: Pubs Face Challenges Amid Remote Work Trend

A sharp rise in Australians choosing to work-from-home on Fridays is having…
A picture of an unidentified child at a childcare centre.

Nine Childcare Centers at Risk of Losing Funding After Falling Short of Standards

One childcare centre has closed and nine face suspension or funding cuts…