The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is understood to be preparing to investigate Labor MP Ali France over questions about her electoral enrolment. The expected investigation is set to centre on whether France's enrolment accurately reflects where she lives.
Background of Allegations
The opposition Coalition raised concerns over the federal Dickson MP's listed address, a property that France told the Daily Mail had been demolished in February. Daily Mail does not suggest that France has committed electoral fraud, only that allegations have been made against her. Questions arose because the address France was enrolled at is no longer a habitable residence.
'[My] house was knocked down in February to build a new home that is more suited to my needs as a disabled woman,' the MP told Daily Mail last week. 'It should be completed by the end of the year and my son and I are very much looking forward to moving back when construction is complete.' France rejected claims she breached electoral rules.
Electoral Act Requirements
Under section 101 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, Australians must enrol at their current place of residence and keep their details up to date. Anyone who moves and lives at a new address for more than a month must notify the AEC within 21 days. Failing to update enrolment details within that timeframe is an offence, with penalties applying regardless of intent.
France stated: 'I have lived at the address for five years and will continue to live at the address.'
Social Media Controversy
A social media post in which France tagged a suburb in her electorate, despite filming the video kilometres away, has also prompted questions from the opposition. In a clip shared on January 31, France appears at what the Daily Mail understands is her second property in The Gap, in the neighbouring electorate of Ryan. But France tagged the location as Arana Hills, a suburb in her electorate 8km away.
In another post on February 8, France said constituents had praised her visibility in the community. She captioned the post: 'This is the first time I have ever run into my MP in the local area and I have lived here for 26 years.'
Opposition Referral
On Wednesday, Coalition Senator and Shadow Special Minister of State James McGrath referred France to the AEC, escalating the matter. 'Under AEC guidelines and regulations this would suggest a clear breach of the Act and therefore should be investigated with the utmost seriousness and in a timely manner,' he said. 'A Labor MP being enrolled at a vacant block of land is as dodgy as they come.'
Background on Ali France
France rose to national prominence after defeating former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in the 2025 election, becoming one of Labor's most high-profile MPs. A former journalist and para-athlete, her life changed in 2011 when a car pinned her in a shopping centre car park, leaving her with life-threatening injuries and resulting in the amputation of her leg above the knee. Her eldest son, Henry, died from leukaemia last year after she spent 18 months caring for him. Her former partner and the father of her children, Clive France, died from cancer in September 2023.
Daily Mail has contacted France for comment.
