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Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : The Jamestown Sun, N.D.
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Science and Technology
Source : (remove) : The Jamestown Sun, N.D.
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Perth tradie-turned-MP admits not wanting to be politician

Tom French: From Perth Tradie to Labor's Newest WA MP – A Reluctant Rise to Politics

In a surprising twist of fate that underscores the unpredictable nature of Australian politics, Tom French, a former tradesperson from Perth, has emerged as the Labor Party's latest Member of Parliament in Western Australia. Despite admitting that he never harbored ambitions of entering the political arena, French's journey from the construction sites of Perth to the corridors of power in Canberra represents a classic underdog story. This development not only highlights the Labor Party's strategy to diversify its ranks with everyday Australians but also reflects broader shifts in voter sentiment toward relatable, grassroots candidates who embody the struggles of working-class communities.

Tom French's background is firmly rooted in the blue-collar world. Born and raised in the suburbs of Perth, French grew up in a family where hard work and resilience were the cornerstones of daily life. His father was a mechanic, and his mother worked in retail, instilling in him the values of perseverance and community support from an early age. After finishing high school, French didn't pursue higher education in the traditional sense; instead, he dove straight into the trades. He apprenticed as an electrician, spending over a decade on job sites across Western Australia's booming mining and construction sectors. "I was just a bloke fixing wires and building things," French has been quoted as saying in interviews. "Politics? That was for the suits in Sydney or Canberra, not for someone like me covered in dust and sweat."

His life as a tradie was far from glamorous but deeply fulfilling. French worked long hours, often in remote areas supporting the state's resource industry, which has long been the economic backbone of WA. He witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by workers: fluctuating job security due to boom-and-bust cycles in mining, the physical toll of manual labor, and the lack of adequate support for mental health in high-stress environments. These experiences shaped his worldview, fostering a strong sense of solidarity with fellow workers. French became involved in his local union, not out of political ambition, but as a way to advocate for better conditions. He rose through the ranks of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), where he championed causes like fair wages, safer workplaces, and protections against exploitation by large corporations.

It was through this union involvement that French's path unexpectedly veered toward politics. Labor Party scouts, always on the lookout for authentic voices to represent working-class electorates, noticed his passion and eloquence during union meetings and rallies. In Western Australia, where Labor has been riding a wave of popularity under leaders like Premier Mark McGowan and federal figures such as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the party sought candidates who could connect with voters disillusioned by career politicians. French was approached to run for a seat in the federal parliament, specifically in a marginal electorate in Perth's outer suburbs, where issues like cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, and job stability resonate deeply.

At first, French was hesitant. "I never aspired to be a politician," he confessed in a candid interview shortly after his nomination. "My world was tools and teamwork, not ties and talking points." He worried about the scrutiny that comes with public life, the impact on his family – he has a wife and two young children – and whether he could truly make a difference in a system often criticized for being out of touch. However, encouragement from union colleagues and community leaders convinced him that his real-world experience was exactly what politics needed. "If not me, then who?" he recalled thinking. "Someone has to stand up for the tradies, the families scraping by, the people who build this country but get forgotten in the budgets."

The campaign trail was a baptism by fire for the political novice. French's opponents, including seasoned Liberal candidates, painted him as inexperienced and unqualified, questioning how a former electrician could navigate the complexities of federal policy. Yet, this narrative backfired, as voters in his electorate – many of whom shared similar backgrounds – saw French as a breath of fresh air. His campaign focused on practical issues: advocating for vocational training programs to upskill workers in the green energy transition, pushing for stronger labor laws to protect gig economy workers, and addressing the housing crisis in Perth's sprawling suburbs. He drew on personal anecdotes, like the time he lost a job during a mining downturn, to illustrate the human cost of economic policies.

French's authenticity shone through in town halls and door-knocking sessions. Unlike polished politicians, he spoke in straightforward language, avoiding jargon and focusing on solutions. "I'm not here to promise the world," he said during a debate. "I'm here to fix what's broken, just like I fixed circuits on site." This resonated, especially amid national discussions on wage stagnation and the post-COVID recovery. Labor's broader platform, emphasizing economic security and climate action, provided a strong foundation, but French's personal story became a key selling point.

Election night was a nail-biter, with early counts showing a tight race. As results trickled in, it became clear that French had secured a narrow victory, flipping the seat from the Liberals and contributing to Labor's federal gains in Western Australia. His win was part of a larger trend where the party strengthened its hold in the state, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with the previous coalition government's handling of issues like border closures during the pandemic and economic management. French's margin, while slim, was enough to send him to Canberra as one of Labor's newest MPs.

Now sworn in, French is navigating the steep learning curve of parliamentary life. He's been assigned to committees dealing with industrial relations and infrastructure, areas where his expertise as a tradie proves invaluable. Colleagues describe him as a quick learner, eager to collaborate but unafraid to challenge the status quo. "Tom brings the voice of the workshop to the House," one Labor insider noted. He's already pushing for reforms, such as increased funding for apprenticeships and better mental health support for essential workers, drawing directly from his pre-political life.

Despite his reluctance, French has embraced his role, viewing it as an extension of his union work. "I didn't choose politics; it chose me," he reflects. "But now that I'm here, I'll fight for the people who sent me." His story has inspired many, particularly young tradespeople who see in him a path to influence beyond the toolshed. Critics, however, warn that his inexperience could be a liability in the cutthroat world of federal politics, where alliances and negotiations are key.

Looking ahead, French's tenure could signal a shift toward more diverse representation in Australian politics. In a country where parliament has often been dominated by lawyers, business leaders, and career politicians, figures like French – the everyday Aussie battler – offer a counter-narrative. His rise challenges the notion that politics is reserved for the elite, proving that with conviction and community backing, even a reluctant tradie can become a force for change.

French's family remains his anchor amid the whirlwind. He credits his wife for her unwavering support and makes a point of returning to Perth whenever possible to coach his kids' soccer team – a reminder of the grounded life he left behind. As he settles into his new role, the former electrician is wiring up a new chapter, one that could illuminate paths for others from similar backgrounds.

In the broader context of Western Australian politics, French's election bolsters Labor's dominance in the state. WA has become a Labor stronghold, with the party holding multiple federal seats and controlling the state government. This success is attributed to effective policies on resources, health, and education, which French now helps to advance. His presence adds a layer of authenticity, potentially helping Labor maintain its appeal to working-class voters in future elections.

Tom French's story is more than a personal triumph; it's a testament to the power of unexpected opportunities and the importance of representation. From the dusty job sites of Perth to the polished halls of Parliament House, his journey reminds us that politics, at its best, is about people – not just policies. As he continues to adapt, one thing is clear: this former tradie is here to stay, building a legacy one vote at a time. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full The West Australian Article at:
[ https://thewest.com.au/politics/federal-politics/tom-french-former-perth-tradie-becomes-labors-latest-wa-mp-despite-never-aspiring-to-be-politician-c-19449581 ]