New class of Labor giant-killers arrive in Canberra for first sitting day

What does it take to be a Labor giant-killer and take out an opposition leader, Greens firebrands or long-serving incumbent MP? For the class of 2025 it meant hard work, grit and months on the hustings.

Renee Coffey during a press conference in Brisbane in May. Picture: Tertius Pickard

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What does it take to be a Labor giant-killer and take out a Greens MP many thought might be in office for years to come?

For Renee Coffey, it meant quitting her job and spending seven days a week for six months on other people’s doorsteps.

But after ousting Max Chandler-Mather just over two months ago, the new MP for the Brisbane seat of Griffith will finally walk into Parliament House this week as part of a class of 24 new Labor MPs.

She joins the likes of Ali France and Sarah Witty in a class of ALP members to have defeated Coalition frontbenchers, Greens firebrands and long-serving local representatives on the way to Canberra.

After a career in the non-profit sector, the mother of two put her hand up to run in the May 3 election, fulfilling an ambition her peers had been predicting for her since year 8.

“I certainly have always been really passionate about social justice and have wanted to have the biggest impact,” Ms Coffey said.

“A lot of other people around me – even in high school – were saying, ‘Renee is going to be in parliament one day’.

“People around me have always assumed that this was going to be my path.”

Labor MP Ali France who defeated Peter Dutton in Dickson. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Labor MP Sarah Witty defeated Greens leader Adam Bandt in the seat of Melbourne. Picture: NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Though each of the new generation has slayed a formidable political opponent to secure a seat in parliament, Ms France claimed the biggest political scalp by defeating former opposition leader Peter Dutton in the seat of Dickson.

“My aim is to be the best local MP I can be, by always showing up,” she said.

“That’s what I did during the campaign by knocking on as many doors as possible and talking to as many people in the community as possible.”

Ms France’s success at the ballot box and story of personal hardship – having lost her leg in an accident, and her son to cancer last year – has skyrocketed her to national attention.

“Many people I represent in the electorate of Dickson share a life of ups and downs,” she said.

“I think my experience will help me represent my community in Canberra because I know just how much a helping hand or a leg up can make a real difference in a person’s life.”

Anthony Albanese said Ms France would be the first of the new MPs to deliver her maiden speech to parliament on Tuesday, alongside Ms Witty, who defeated Greens leader Adam Bandt in the seat of Melbourne, with the others to follow within the first fortnight.

“That’s a way of including them, the whole team, straight away,” the Prime Minister said.

“So 17 seats we won. Additional seats. Sounds crazy – 17 seats we won, plus replacements from retirements.”

Mr Albanese met with new and returning MPs alongside Governor-General Sam Mostyn at her residence in Yarralumla on Sunday, and congratulated the parliamentarians on being granted another term.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Zhi Soon, who won the seat of Banks. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images.

Banks MP Zhi Soon, who usurped Coalition frontbencher David Coleman, said he credited his victory to hard work after doorknocking thousands of homes and to the popularity of the Labor platform, including the rollout of urgent care clinics.

“It was something that was incredibly well received, and you could see people who generally weren’t interested in politics, their ears really popped up,” he said.

“They really wanted to hear more about something that would help them see a doctor quicker and potentially bulk-bill, where they might not otherwise.”

Bonner MP Kara Cook said she had focused on “listening to the community, showing up and earning people’s trust” during her tough campaign to unseat incumbent LNP MP Ross Vasta.

The former Brisbane City councillor had never been to Canberra before she visited for MP training, and will push for change on domestic violence and Indigenous equality.

“This feels like a real opportunity to actually have a meaningful say on those bigger picture issues that have always been a passion of mine, and it feels like an opportunity to advance those now on the national stage,” Ms Cook said.

Bass MP Jess Teesdale, who defeated Liberal Bridget Archer, said she would use the skills gained from her teaching career to adapt to the needs of her constituents.

“I want to make sure every person in Bass feels like they can walk into my office and know that someone will listen,” she said.

“That’s the first goal. Connection, dignity and practical support.”