Ali France, a Labor MP and one of the first women with a disability in the Australian House of Representatives, delivered her maiden speech, reflecting on her personal journey and her historic election victory.

In her heartfelt speech, France paid tribute to her late son Henry, who passed away from leukemia in February 2024, sharing the emotional final days they spent together.

She credited her campaign's success to her late son's encouragement, emphasizing that his words inspired her and urged her not to use his illness as an excuse for inaction.

France expressed gratitude to her supporters, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and highlighted the importance of motherhood and community support throughout her journey.

She also reflected on her personal struggles after losing a leg in a 2011 car accident, discussing the recovery process, multiple surgeries, PTSD, and facing discrimination afterward.

France acknowledged that her experiences resonate with her constituents in Dickson, sharing themes of hardship and resilience that connect her to the community.

She celebrated her family's Labor legacy, mentioning her grandmother's activism and her father's political career, reinforcing her commitment to social justice.

Alongside France, new Melbourne MP Sarah Witty also delivered her first speech, sharing her experiences with pregnancy loss and foster care, illustrating how personal grief can inspire positive action.

France recounted the emotional final days with her son Henry, including a poignant moment when he returned home to sleep in her bed, demonstrating his strength despite his illness.

The parliamentary session marked the start of the new term, with more first speeches and the first Question Time scheduled for the following day.

France, who made history by unseating opposition leader Peter Dutton in the Brisbane seat of Dickson, also spoke about her challenges as a single mother and a survivor of a serious car accident.

Her speech moved many politicians to tears, including Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, as she reflected on her son's profound impact on her political journey.