Now, Ali France has made history again, being elected the new federal Member of Parliament for the seat of Dickson, in Queensland. This hard-fought victory has created tremendous excitement and hope among advocates within the disability community. Her election will be her first experience in formal political office. It’s an important advancement in the broader movement to get more people living with disabilities into Australian politics and political decision-making processes.
France, who has a prosthetic leg and uses a wheelchair, adds the perspective of someone informed by her lived experiences. Fourteen years ago, she lost her leg in a car accident, an event that drastically altered her life and career. Going from the hospital to work after her amputation wasn’t easy either. She was constantly underestimated and pitied by her colleagues but she fought through the opposition and overcame the odds.
A Journey of Advocacy and Resilience
Public relations is a new field for France, who taught journalism for 36 years before working in public relations. Those experiences have provided her with many valuable and transferable skills. Today, she is an impassioned advocate for all causes, most importantly disability rights. More than an advocate for her constituents, she personifies the struggle and success of millions of Americans with disabilities.
To me ‘strong’ means you can be vulnerable and still find a way to progress. Attracting the right talent It’s all about helping people understand who you really are, France wrote, emphasizing her conviction that strong authenticity is found in a leader’s vulnerability. Her journey has come at the price of personal tragedy. As you may recall, she recently posted about the death of her eldest son, Henry, from cancer, a journey that further enriches her passion and dedication to public service.
For one amazing reason, France’s victory is the most notable of all time. She is thought to be the first member of any federal government to join the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Her identity as a Black woman is critical to this story. It allows her to bring lived experience to the debate over disability policy.
Advocating for Change
And the election of Ali France has already got people talking about the importance of disability representation in parliament. 21st Century Transportation Activist Nic Avery underlines the necessity of having voices from the disability community at the table in legislative processes. “We need to have the voices of people with disability in our parliament where decisions are made about us,” Avery remarked.
The recent appointment of France to her position should remind us that all policy is, at its essence, disability policy. Elly Desmarchelier pointed out that focusing solely on disability through a specific ministerial role limits comprehensive governmental engagement with disability issues. France hopes to expand this knowledge through her work as a parliamentarian.
“We really need the opportunity for the government to work with us,” France added, reinforcing her stance on collaboration between government entities and those they serve.
Redefining Strength and Future Aspirations
France’s election to the presidency delights the disability community. It pushes back against our biased notions of what strength and capability looks like. She wants to change this story and that’s why she wants to be in parliament. Her mission does not stop at advocating for disability rights. She hopes to see politics change the lives of generations of Australians with disabilities for the better.
France is part of a very exclusive club of federal parliamentarians who have disabilities themselves. She knows how critical her role is, and what a difference it can make. She hopes to prove that people with disabilities have a legitimate place in the political conversation and on the decision-making stage.
“My two best friends are my prosthetic leg and my wheelchair,” France quipped, emphasizing her acceptance of her circumstances and the empowerment that comes from living authentically. Her story is an example for others like her, reminding them that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance and grit.
