LABOR’S Linda Lavarch, who fought through a severe depressive illness that cruelled her role as Queensland’s Attorney-General, will run against Peter Dutton in the July 2 federal election.

Bill Shorten will todayannounce their star candidate will go head-to-head with the Turnbull Government’s attack dog.

Ms Lavarch, who revealed she suffered depression in 2006 while being attacked over the Jayant Patel scandal, initially turned down the offer after initial candidate Michael Gilliver resigned for personal reasons.

Ms Lavarch was the state member for Kurwongbah from 1997-2009. Her old electorate takes in about a third of Dickson, in Brisbane’s north.

Mr Dutton, who is the Government’s Immigration Minister, has a margin of 6.7 per cent and will be heavily targeted by Labor, who view the former detective as someone who has lost touch with his electorate.

Ms Lavarch, who has been working for the Queensland Nurses Union and not-for-profit organisations, said she felt re-energised, was well and ready to take on Mr Dutton.

The mother of two adult children has been used as a role model by depression awareness groups.

Ms Lavarch, happy and ready to take on the challenge, said fire reignited the fire in her belly after sitting on the sidelines for six years.

“I look back on why I joined the Labor Party 40 years ago and it was Medicare, universities ... I just think we’ve gone backwards,’’ Ms Lavarch said yesterday.

She said she had run her decision by her ex-husband and former federal attorney-general Michael Lavarch.

She said former Beattie government MP Bonny Barry would be helping with the campaign.

``I’ve put my hand up to run for Dickson because I believe I have the experience to provide the strong local representation we’ve been missing out on for too long from Peter Dutton.

“For too long Peter Dutton has displayed the worst aspects of the Abbott/Turnbull governments.

media_camera Former state MP Linda Lavarch will run against Peter Dutton at this year’s federal election. PIC: Jono Searle.

His extreme and cruel agenda does not represent so many of us in any way.

“While he’s been focused on all the politicking down in Canberra, he’s neglected the local issues concerning residents like decent funding for healthcare, proper funding for our schools, roads and infrastructure to meet our growing needs.”

Mr Shorten said he was delighted to have Ms Lavarch in his team.

“Her candidacy is a big coup for Labor here in Queensland. Linda and I share a determination to make sure Australia’s health care system continues to depend on one’s Medicare card, not their credit card.

“Let’s not forget that while Peter Dutton was neglecting his electorate locally, he was down in Canberra hatching plans to privatise Medicare.

“Peter Dutton has been missing in action for too long in Dickson — the community deserves better.”