Ali France, daughter of former state Labor MP Peter Lawlor, secured a significant victory in the Dickson electorate, defeating Peter Dutton, the leader of the Coalition. This win was particularly symbolic for Labor, marking a key gain in the 2025 election. France's campaign was notable given her physical disability, resulting from a 2011 accident where she lost a leg. She emphasized her determination to use her experience to advocate for the disability community in Canberra.
France's political journey began after the accident, driven by a desire to make a difference. She highlighted the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities in politics, such as the challenges of door-knocking. Despite these challenges, she secured the nomination and ultimately won.
While receiving congratulations from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, France modestly attributed her success to the tireless efforts of the Labor Party volunteers. She emphasized the crucial role of the grassroots campaigners, calling them the 'real heroes' of the party.
Beyond Dickson, Labor made further gains in several other electorates, including Bonner, Longman, Petrie, Forde, Brisbane, Griffith and Leichhardt, reflecting a broader shift in the political landscape.