Chalmers, Ley Emotional as France Honors Late Son in Maiden Speech
In an emotional first address, Ali France, a new Labor MP, praised her late teenage son as "instrumental" to her victory over then-Liberal leader Peter Dutton, bringing federal lawmakers from both sides to tears.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, Treasurer Jim Chalmers, and Ms. France herself were among those shedding tears on the parliamentary floor Tuesday night as she recalled some of her last moments with her 19-year-old son Henry, who died of leukemia in February 2024.
She spoke about the "epic journey" to becoming the first person in Australian history to overthrow an opposition leader, but her speech was also full of pride.
"Winning Dickson was highly unlikely, and to some, an insurmountable mountain," she stated.
"It took seven years to climb, as a single mum, with one leg, battling one of the most prolific politicians of our time."
She claimed that her journey to Canberra was "human," rather than depressing or joyful, and that her life experiences would influence how she contributed to public life.
Henry's bravery as a campaign partner
Just over a year had passed since Henry's death when Ms. France was elected to the Brisbane seat.
"The week before [he passed], he was able to come home for a couple of nights," she continued.
She was amazed by his bravery and unwavering smile as he slept next to her, even in the face of "unbelievable pain and the never-ending hospital stays and treatments."
She wiped away her tears and remarked, "I am so, so grateful for those hours."
"He repeatedly assured me that this election was my moment.
"He repeatedly said, 'Don't use me as an excuse for not doing important things,' because he was certain I would win.
"His words, his courage were with me every day of the campaign.
"Henry was instrumental in getting me to this place."
Physicians and a former premier observe
After a car crushed one of her legs in 2011, Ms. France also talked about relearning how to walk and developing resilience.
While they watched from the gallery above, she thanked the doctors who helped her walk again and saved her life in her first speech.
Alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and others, she also thanked Queensland Labor leader and former boss Steven Miles for his support.
She credited Mr. Dutton's success, which ended his more than two decades in politics, to "a lifetime of small acts of kindness and support from so many good people."
"Kindness, a helping hand, opportunity, and open doors have got me here, and that's what I will be giving to the people of Dickson," she stated.
First speech by a new Melbourne MP
Sarah Witty, the new Labor member for Melbourne who replaced Adam Bandt, the former leader of the Greens, also gave her first speech on the first day of parliament.
She talked about pregnancy loss and becoming a foster mom in addition to her love of Melbourne.
"Over 10-plus years, we endured heartache after heartache, pregnancy after pregnancy, ending in loss," she told the House of Representatives.
"I remember one day, after a devastating loss, my mum gently said to me, 'Maybe you were meant to be a mum for all children?'"
She was too broken to hear those words at the moment, but they lingered.
"As the fog of grief lifted, I opened my heart and myself to a new path — I stepped into the world of foster care, not out of ease, but out of a deep need to turn my pain into something positive."
On Wednesday, the new parliament's first Question Time will take place, and the group of new MPs will continue to give their maiden speeches.