Ali France is an Australian politician who, in May 2025, made history by unseating Peter Dutton, the Leader of the Opposition, in the federal seat of Dickson. Her victory marked the first time a sitting opposition leader had lost their seat in an Australian federal election.
Born on May 13, 1973, in Durban, South Africa, Ali France is the daughter of Peter Lawlor, a former Queensland state Labor MP. She was raised in Queensland and pursued a career in journalism, working for The Courier-Mail and in Hong Kong. Additionally, she served as a communications manager for the Indigenous production company Carbon Media in Brisbane.
In 2011, France was involved in a car accident that resulted in the amputation of her leg. Despite this setback, she became a world champion para-athlete, representing Australia in paracanoeing and winning multiple medals at the Outrigger Canoe World Sprint Championships.
France first contested the seat of Dickson in the 2019 federal election and again in 2022, both times losing to Peter Dutton. In the 2025 election, she secured victory, defeating Dutton and becoming the first Labor MP to represent Dickson since Cheryl Kernot in 2001. Her win was seen as a significant shift in Queensland politics and a repudiation of Dutton’s leadership.
Early Life of Ali France
Birth and Nationality
Ali France was born on May 13, 1973, in Durban, South Africa. She is of Australian nationality, as her family moved to Australia during her childhood. Growing up in Queensland, Ali was deeply influenced by her family’s connection to public service, with her father, Peter Lawlor, having served as a Queensland state Labor MP.
Family Background and Early Years
Ali’s early life was marked by a strong family bond. Her father’s work in politics and public service exposed her to community-centered values at a young age. Ali was raised in Queensland, where she began to develop a deep sense of social responsibility, which would later shape her career path.
Education and Career Beginnings
Education
Ali France pursued a career in journalism after completing her education. She attended a local school in Queensland before advancing to higher education. She majored in communications and journalism, setting the foundation for her future work in the media industry. France’s education helped her develop a keen understanding of communication strategies, which would be crucial for her later political career.
Career in Journalism and Communications
France began her professional career as a journalist, working for The Courier-Mail, a major newspaper in Queensland. Her time in journalism honed her skills in communication, public relations, and media strategy, which would prove essential in her political endeavors. In addition to her work in Australia, Ali also spent some time working abroad in Hong Kong, further broadening her perspective on global issues and international politics.
Her communications experience was not limited to traditional media. France also worked as a communications manager for Carbon Media, an Indigenous production company based in Brisbane. Here, she gained insight into the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, which further fueled her advocacy for social justice and equity.
Personal Life and Family
Personal Struggles and Resilience
Ali France’s life took a dramatic turn in 2011 when she was involved in a car accident that resulted in the amputation of her leg. Despite this life-altering injury, Ali displayed extraordinary resilience and determination, refusing to let this setback define her life. Instead, she turned her pain into motivation to advocate for individuals with disabilities and became an outspoken supporter of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and healthcare improvements.
Following her accident, France found solace and empowerment in the world of para-sport. She went on to become a world champion para-athlete, specializing in paracanoeing. Ali won multiple medals at the Outrigger Canoe World Sprint Championships, earning recognition for her athleticism and spirit. Her athletic accomplishments symbolized her ability to overcome challenges and were a source of inspiration to many.
Family Life: Husband and Children
Ali France is a single mother to two sons. While details about her husband remain private, it is known that her family plays a significant role in her life. Tragically, her eldest son, Henry, passed away from leukaemia in early 2024. Ali has been open about her grief and the profound impact that her son’s loss had on her. Despite the heartache, she has continued to campaign for causes close to her heart, using her experiences as a source of strength and motivation.
Political Career of Ali France
First Political Campaigns
Ali France first entered the political arena during the 2019 Australian federal election, when she contested the seat of Dickson as a Labor candidate. Although she was unsuccessful in her bid to unseat the incumbent Peter Dutton, her campaign was marked by a strong commitment to advocating for local families, individuals with disabilities, and communities in need.
She ran again in the 2022 election, but once again lost to Dutton. Despite these setbacks, France’s persistence paid off in the 2025 election. This time, she succeeded in defeating Dutton, securing the seat of Dickson and making history in the process. Her victory was significant not only for her personal achievements but also for the Labor Party, as she became the first Labor MP to represent Dickson since Cheryl Kernot in 2001.
Victory in the 2025 Election
Ali France’s victory in the 2025 election was a major political upset. Peter Dutton, the Leader of the Opposition, had long held the seat of Dickson, and his loss to France was seen as a repudiation of his leadership. France’s win was viewed as a symbol of grassroots campaigning, as she connected deeply with voters in the region and was able to communicate her message of hope, change, and community support.
Her win was particularly impactful in Queensland politics, as it signified a shift in the political landscape and a move away from conservative dominance in the region. France’s victory is often cited as an example of how personal connections and authentic campaigning can reshape the political environment.
Net Worth of Ali France
As of 2025, Ali France’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, as a politician and former journalist, she is likely to have accumulated wealth through her media work and political career. Much of her income would come from her work as a member of the Australian parliament, as well as any income generated from her previous roles in journalism and communications.
Conclusion
Ali France’s biography is one of remarkable determination, perseverance, and success in the face of adversity. From her early life in Queensland to her historic victory over Peter Dutton in the 2025 Australian federal election, France has become a symbol of resilience and hope. Her commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities, as well as her dedication to improving healthcare services, has made her a powerful voice in Australian politics.
FAQs About Ali France
What is Ali France’s age?
Ali France was born on May 13, 1973, making her 52 years old as of 2025.
Where is Ali France from?
Ali France is originally from Durban, South Africa, but she was raised in Queensland, Australia.
What is Ali France’s political party affiliation?
Ali France is a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP).
What happened to Ali France’s son?
Ali France’s eldest son, Henry, tragically passed away from leukaemia in early 2024.
How did Ali France lose her leg?
In 2011, Ali France was involved in a car accident that resulted in the amputation of her leg.
What is Ali France’s athletic background?
Ali France is a world champion paracanoeist, winning multiple medals at the Outrigger Canoe World Sprint Championships.
What was Ali France’s first political campaign?
Ali France first contested the seat of Dickson in the 2019 Australian federal election.
Did Ali France win her election in 2025?
Yes, Ali France won the seat of Dickson in the 2025 federal election, defeating Peter Dutton.
