Community Newsletter

21 August 2025

The 48th Parliament is off to a strong start.

• I’ve reintroduced the Government’s own Electoral Communications Bill to tackle misinformation, deepfakes and political lies.
• I’ve released a new white paper, Re-energised Economy, outlining how Australia can transition to a low-cost, low-emissions future.
• Parliament has passed legislation to reduce student debt by 20%; a welcome first step, but more reform is needed to make HECS fairer by changing the indexation timing.

The situation in Gaza continues to be extremely distressing to many, from the remaining hostages to the ongoing withholding of food, water and humanitarian aid from innocent civilians. I have been briefed on the situation and the humanitarian crisis is dire. I welcome the Government’s conditional support for recognising the State of Palestine at the next UN General Assembly, alongside efforts to ensure the Palestinian Authority recognises Israel and excludes Hamas. Israel’s actions in Gaza and its expansion of illegal settlements raise serious concerns under international law. All letters, statements and speeches can be found on my website.

Locally, I’m looking forward to connecting with our community at events like the Tribal Warrior cultural cruise, Crows Nest Fest, and the Mary’s House Walk for domestic violence. There are also scholarships and grants now open for students and young athletes — details below.

As always, I welcome your feedback and ideas. Please feel free to get in touch, and I hope to see you at one of our local events soon.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and family to keep them updated, or encourage them to sign up here on my website.

Truth in Political Advertising

Continuing the strong push for truth in political advertising, in the first sitting week, I introduced a Bill, to tackle misinformation, AI deepfakes and political lies. The Bill was substantively the same as the Government’s own bill shelved last term, and builds on my earlier Voter Protections and Electoral Advertising Bills.

Senator David Pocock replicated the Bill in the Senate. David and I are calling on the Government to either reintroduce its own Bill or back mine to ensure truth in political advertising is legislated before the next election.

Re-energised Economy

Transitioning from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to one powered by innovation and clean energy is a challenge — but also a huge opportunity. With the right policies and leadership, we can build a stronger, more resilient Australia.

I’ve recently released a new white paper, Re-energised Economy: Transitioning to a Low-Cost, Low-Emissions Economy, developed in collaboration with economist Emma Aisbett, PhD.

The paper shows that, while the transition won’t be simple, the benefits are clear: lower energy costs, more homegrown jobs and industries, and a safer, more equitable and secure future in the face of global uncertainty. Read more about the Paper here.

Making HECS more affordable

I have been calling for HECS reform and a fairer system for students since 2023. I'm pleased to see legislation finally pass Parliament to reduce loan debt by 20% for over 3 million students. This is a welcome first step in tackling student debt and easing cost-of-living pressures, saving students an average of $5,500. The deductions will apply to loan balances as of June 1, 2025 but will take a few months for the ATO to implement.

While good news, this is only part of the issue in addressing the rising costs for student loans. Debt calculations must move away from indexing and shift to real-time debt calculations as repayments are made. Course pricing reform is also urgently needed — particularly within the Job-ready Graduates program. These remain key priorities I will continue to advocate for.

Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation)

In the next sitting week, I will introduce the National Framework for Adaptation Bill to establish a legislative requirement for government to prepare a regular, arms-length climate risk assessment and, in response, undertake a national adaptation plan. By putting climate risk in government planning and decision-making, this Bill aims to help build Australia’s economic resilience to climate change. If passed, it will be binding on future governments to take the impacts of climate change seriously.

Tribal Warrior Private Charter – Saturday 27th September

Join a private charter for Warringah residents on Sydney Harbour with Tribal Warrior, a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated business. Two local community groups: "First Nations Allies - Sydney North" and "Northern Sydney Alliance for the Uluru Statement" are hosting this special event for our local community. This is your chance to:

• Experience First Nations performances, including dance and music
• Learn from a guided tour, sharing the history and spiritual significance of the Harbour
• Enjoy a buffet lunch while taking in spectacular views and supporting an Aboriginal business. Register here.

Crows Nest Fest – Sunday 19th October, 10am – 5pm

Visit Zali and her team at her stall at the Crows Nest Fest. The festival will welcome over 50,000 attendees and feature 200 stalls for a day packed with family-friendly fun, delicious food, and captivating entertainment. Click for further information.

Join Team Zali for the Mary’s House Annual Walk on Sunday 26th October

Walk with us to say no to domestic and family violence and support Mary’s House Services, providing vital refuge and support to women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Register here.

Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarships

Applications now open until 1 September 2025

The HMEF Scholarship is for Year 8 girls attending Australian Public Schools who demonstrate Academic Excellence, face financial barriers, and are highly motivated to succeed at school and pursue tertiary education. Apply here.

My First Speech Competition - Entries close 15th September 2025

This exciting national competition is open to year 10, 11 and 12 students in the Warringah Electorate. The challenge is for students to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and write a 90-second speech, focusing on a topic of their choosing. It will provide the opportunity for a student from each year group to be flown to Canberra with a parent or guardian to present their speeches live and undertake a program at Parliament House. For more information and to enter, click here.

Local Para Champions & Local Sporting Champions Program

The program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-24 participating in state, national or international events.

Applications for Round 2, 2025-26 are currently open until 31st October 2025

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

CDBS provides children aged 0-17 years with up to $1,132 for routine dental care every two years. Eligibility: Children in families who have a Medicare card and are receiving an eligible Centrelink payment such as Family Tax Benefit A. More information.

Please take our short survey to let us know what matters most to you so my team and I can better represent you and our community.

For more information on Zali’s community activities and updates follow @ZaliSteggallMP on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, LinkedIn, X or Tiktok.