Ali France’s win redefines disability leadership in politics

In a defining moment for Australian democracy, disability advocate and former journalist Ali France has made history by unseating Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in the federal seat of Dickson during the 2025 Federal Election. It’s the first time an opposition leader has ever lost their seat. Still, beyond the political shockwaves, this victory signals a powerful step forward for disability representation at the highest levels of government.

France ran a community-driven, grassroots campaign that put accessibility, inclusion and lived experience front and centre, drawing from her own experience as an amputee and para athlete. For many, her win isn’t just about politics, it’s about progress.

From personal tragedy to public service

Ali France’s path to public life was shaped by personal hardship. In 2011, she lost her leg in a tragic car accident while protecting her young son. That life-altering event set her on a course of advocacy, drawing attention to the everyday barriers people with disability face, from inaccessible housing to the complex web of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Her lived experience has become a foundation for her political purpose: to ensure the systems meant to support Australians with disability actually work.

A campaign grounded in accessibility and action

France’s platform didn’t shy away from difficult conversations. It centred on real-world reforms driven by the needs of the disability community.

• Fixing the NDIS
  She called for a simpler, fairer and more person-centred scheme, informed by her own experience navigating its complexities.
  
• Improving accessible housing and infrastructure
  She spoke openly about the lack of wheelchair-accessible homes in her electorate and pledged to lead by example — moving to Dickson and modifying a home to suit her needs if elected.
  
• Strengthening Medicare
  With a focus on making healthcare more affordable and accessible for people with disability, she advocated for better access to GPs and specialists.

Answering criticism with courage

France faced sharp criticism during the campaign, particularly from Peter Dutton, who questioned her commitment to the electorate and accused her of using her disability as an ‘excuse’ for not living locally. She responded to Dutton with a statement that struck a chord in the electorate.

“Having a disability is not an excuse; it is a reality,” France said.

Why her win matters

Ali France is now the first female amputee elected to Australia’s Federal Parliament, a milestone in representation, but more than that, a clear signal that lived experience matters in policy-making.

Her win is not symbolic; it’s substantive. It proves that voters are embracing authenticity, empathy and practical leadership grounded in real challenges. France brings with her a mandate to push for a more inclusive, responsive and equitable Australia — one where people with disability are heard, represented and empowered.

As she takes her seat in Canberra, the disability community — and the country — will be watching with optimism.

Because when people with lived experience lead, change follows.

⇒ Watch: Who is Ali France, Peter Dutton’s defeater? — Ali France’s story and campaign journey via the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.