Here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on the key individuals and events:
Key Individuals:
France:
A Labor politician who delivered her maiden speech.
Was involved in a severe car accident where her left leg was crushed, leading to an amputation. Underwent six surgeries in four years and suffered from PTSD and severe pain.
Faced critically important difficulty finding employment due to her disability.
Contested the seat of Dickson twice before defeating Dutton in the 2025 election.
Her “epic journey” to federal parliament was described as a result of many small steps.
The trauma surgeon who performed her amputation, Martin Wullschleger, was present for her maiden speech.
A refugee and surgeon also watched from the gallery.
Zac:
France’s youngest son, who was four years old at the time of the car accident. Martin Wullschleger:
The trauma surgeon who made the split-second decision to amputate France’s leg, saving her life.
Was present in the gallery to hear France’s maiden speech.
Sarah Witty:
A Labor member for Melbourne. An experienced foster carer.
beat former Greens leader Adam Bandt in the May election, taking the seat of Melbourne back to Labor after 15 years.
This victory was considered one of the biggest upsets of the election.
Her appetite for change was clear from her first day on the campaign trail.
Paid tribute to Melbourne, highlighting its history with the eight-hour working day and the union movement.
her top priorities for constituents include Medicare, childcare, and housing.
Emphasized the need for safe houses to address homelessness, stating, “Without that foundation, everything else – health, work, education becomes so much harder. This is our moment to fix the system.”
Described representing Melbourne as “not just an honor. It’s a calling.”
She brings the voices of renters demanding justice, people demanding climate action, and communities demanding to be heard.
Adam Bandt:
Former Greens leader.
Defeated by Sarah Witty in the electorate of Melbourne.
thanked by Sarah Witty in her maiden speech.
Key Events:
France’s Car Accident: An out-of-control car veered towards France and her son Zac, resulting in France’s leg being crushed and subsequently amputated.
France’s Recovery and political Journey: France endured six surgeries, PTSD, and severe pain, reaching a low point in her life. she faced discrimination in the job market due to her disability. Despite these challenges, she joined Labor in 2016 and eventually won the seat of dickson in 2025.
France’s Maiden Speech: She delivered her first speech in the federal parliament, detailing her journey and the challenges she overcame.
Sarah Witty’s Election Victory: Witty achieved a significant upset by defeating Adam Bandt for the seat of Melbourne.
Sarah Witty’s Maiden Speech: She delivered her first speech in the House of Representatives, outlining her priorities and her commitment to her constituents.
First Maiden speeches in the 48th Parliament: France and Witty where the first newly elected MPs to deliver their maiden speeches in the 48th parliament.
Key Themes:
Overcoming Adversity: Both France and Witty’s stories highlight resilience and the ability to overcome significant personal challenges.
Disability and Discrimination: France’s experience underscores the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities in securing employment and being recognized for their capabilities.
political Upset and Change: Witty’s victory represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Melbourne.
Priorities for Constituents: Both politicians express a commitment to addressing key issues like housing, healthcare, and climate action.
The Importance of a “Calling”: Witty views her role as more then an honour, but a deep-seated commitment.
