Latest news with #AliFrance
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Single image sums up Peter Dutton's approach to life post politics after his humiliating election defeat
He served the people of Dickson for almost a quarter of a century but any trace of Peter Dutton has been quietly airbrushed from his electoral office. The former Opposition Leader suffered the ultimate indignity on election night when he was ousted from his seat in Brisbane 's outer-northern suburbs, which he had held since 2001, by Labor's Ali France. But, most observers agree, Dutton exited the political stage with dignity and grace. He told Anthony Albanese how proud his late mother would be of his thumping majority and he congratulated France, a constant thorn in his side who finally succeeded in beating him at the third time of asking. This magnanimity was again on display when he returned to Canberra last week and told reporters he wanted to see a smooth and supportive transition of power. 'The best model I've seen is where leaders, former, make a graceful exit from politics and maintain their graceful silence, so that'll be my model,' he said. In keeping with this spirit, Dutton's staff have quietly scrubbed all mention of him from his parliamentary office in Strathpine. Pictures taken this week show 'Peter Dutton MP' has been removed, leaving a space for Ali France to stick her name above 'Federal MP for Dickson' and below Australia's Coat of Arms. The blue Liberal signage has also been entirely removed, no doubt waiting to be replaced by the red of Labor. The office appeared to be stripped bare inside, with doors shuttered awaiting the new occupant. It was a similarly quiet scene at Dutton's sprawling 68hectare family farm in Dayboro, around 20km inland from Brisbane's northern suburbs. One might assume the freshly-unemployed 54-year-old would be overseas enjoying a well-earned break with his wife Kirilly and their three children after a gruelling five-week campaign. But he has reportedly been spotted dining out at one of Melbourne's finest Italian restaurants. 'His iconic scalp was spotted at Citta Di Stasio on Wednesday night, dining with a friend,' the AFR's Rear WIndow column reported. 'The up-market Spring Street establishment is a favourite of business and political types to wheel and deal.' Could Dutton be sizing up a well-paid advisory role? Perhaps he could follow in the footsteps of his former boss Scott Morrison and take up a lucrative role in the defence industry. He did signal as much in his concession speech, telling the party faithful his time as Defence Minister was the 'highlight of my career'. But one well-placed source isn't convinced. 'Honestly, I'm not sure he cares,' they said. 'He's got enough money not to work, plus his pension.'
AU Financial Review
14-05-2025
- Politics
- AU Financial Review
I'm on the NDIS. Here's what Labor must do to fix it
Labor's resounding election victory has been celebrated by National Disability Insurance Scheme participants and their families. Yet many of us also feel uncertain about the scheme's future. The election of two disabled parliamentarians – Senator Jordon Steele-John and new lower house member Ali France – marks a historic milestone, as does the creation of a disability minister. On social media, the disability community this week met the appointment of the new NDIS ministers, Mark Butler and Jenny McAlister, with cautious optimism that their focus will extend beyond cost-cutting.
Daily Mail
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Ali France reveals her dying son's plea - and the shocking claim that spurred her to achieve the unthinkable and oust Opposition Leader Peter Dutton from his seat
Ali France has revealed the inspiring words her eldest son told her before he died from leukaemia at just 19 years old. Ms France has suffered many adversities in her life - including a life-threatening crash that resulted in the loss of her leg, the death of her ex-husband and then her teenage son just months later. But on May 3 she claimed victory over Peter Dutton for the Brisbane seat of Dickson, to oust the Opposition Leader from parliament. It was her third attempt against the man who had been the local MP for 24 years. In an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday, the Ms France revealed she almost gave up on politics when her eldest son, Henry, was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2022 while he was completing his HSC. 'I said to him, 'Well, I won't be running in Dickson again' … and he was just so angry about that,' Ms France recalled. 'He said, 'Do not make me the excuse for you not doing important stuff'. And this is important stuff.' Henry and his younger brother Zac, both played integral roles in her election campaigns. However, many critics accused Ms France during the recent campaign of trying to use her son's death to gain leverage against Mr Dutton. '[People have said] that I'm using my son for political purposes. That I'm disgraceful because I'm talking about him and I'm a candidate in politics,' Ms France said. 'I'll never stop talking about Henry, never. The day that I stop talking about Henry is the day I join him.' Henry had been an avid supporter of the Labor Party and his mother through two federal elections before she finally won her seat a year after his death. This time she was assisted by 18-year-old Zac, who often joined her door-knocking and chatting with voters. Yet just 14 years ago Ms France came awfully close to losing her youngest. She and Zac, then just four years old, were at her local shopping centre when an elderly driver lost control of his car. Ms France recalled pushing Zac away just moments before the car pinned her against another parked vehicle. Her son escaped injury but her femoral artery was severed in the crash. The injury was so severe Ms France's left leg had to be amputated without anaesthetic. 'I didn't feel any pain. I have a recollection of people standing over me, quite a lot of bright lights and things, but my brain essentially had just shut down,' Ms France recalled. After years of physical and mental pain, Ms France challenged people's perceptions of disabilities by becoming a world champion canoeist and outspoken advocate. Her work in the field eventually led her to politics. Ms France was joined by Zac and her father - former state MP Peter Lawlor on election night as she was introduced to the crowd by former Queensland Premier Steven Miles. She made history as the first candidate to oust a serving Opposition Leader from their seat. Mr Dutton, who held the seat of Dickson for 24 years, congratulated Ms France on the night and wished her luck. 'We didn't do well enough in this campaign, that much is obvious,' Mr Dutton said during his concession speech. 'There are good members and candidates who have lost their seats ... and I am sorry for that.' Although he may not have been there in person to see his mother's victory, Ms France credits her win to Henry. On February 20, the first anniversary of his passing, Ms France shared a touching tribute to her son. 'I remind myself of his courage and bravery in the face of insurmountable odds every day. It drives me,' she wrote.
ABC News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Meteor sighting over WA leaves prospector in awe
Photo shows A composite of Ali France sitting down for an interview, next to a shot of her giving an emotional speech after winning Dickson. Has Video Duration: 3 minutes 23 seconds . 3 m 23 s
ABC News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Former inmate helps women re-enter society after prison
Photo shows A composite of Ali France sitting down for an interview, next to a shot of her giving an emotional speech after winning Dickson. Has Video Duration: 3 minutes 23 seconds . 3 m 23 s
