We mentioned a little earlier that Ali France’s first speech to the parliament led to some tears in the chamber and beyond. Here is a small taste:

My journey to this place is not a sad story, nor is it a happy one, it is a human story.
It will shape me as a representative and has narrowed my focus…but it is not especially unique.  Most of the people I represent in the electorate of Dickson share a life of ups, downs, success, hardship, loss and happiness.  Winning Dickson was highly unlikely… and to some an insurmountable mountain.  With the very best Labor Party branch members, it took 7 years to climb, as a single mum, with one leg, battling one of the most prolific politicians of our time.

Highly unlikely, was also how the doctors described the death of my darling boy Henry from Leukemia last year, aged 19.  Despite the very best public healthcare, he is not with us… and he is so desperately missed. 

People often ask ‘how are you standing’.

I say, on one leg.