Tom French (Australian politician)

French was previously a Labor candidate, unsuccessfully contesting Pearce in the 2016 Australian federal election and Moore in the 2022 Australian federal election. He was 4th candidate in Western Australia at the 2019 Australian Senate election.^[3]

French is an electrician and lawyer and has worked in hospitality and business management.^[4] He is the first Labor MP for the seat since 1990, and second ever.^[5]

French is the father of two sons.^[6] He underwent a kidney transplant, receiving the organ from his brother, and has spoken publicly about the experience with gratitude.

In his inaugural speech to parliament, French reflected on his working-class upbringing, describing himself as “the son of a painter who was the son of a painter,” and highlighted the influence of his family and personal experiences on his political outlook.^[7] He also drew on cultural influences, quoting lyrics from the rock band Everclear, a line from the musical Hamilton, and the poem “First They Came” by Martin Niemöller, emphasising the role of storytelling and the arts in shaping community and politics.^[8]