Community Newsletter

17 July 2025

My team and I are looking forward to heading back to Canberra next week as the 48th Parliament finally gets underway for its first sitting fortnight.

Debate will kick off with key bills, including the tax of unrealised gains for superannuation balances over $3 million, the 20 per cent cut to HECS debts and the government’s childcare safety legislation which will cut funding to childcare centres that fail to meet safety standards.  If you have views to share on any of these, I encourage you to get in touch at [email protected] – I always welcome your input.

In preparation for the new term, we've been actively engaging with Ministers, crossbench colleagues and key organisations to ensure the issues that matter most to our community stay high on the agenda. These include Superannuation Tax Changes, Climate Risk and Resilience, Stopping Gambling Ads, NDIS reforms and oversight of AUKUS developments. Read on for more updates.

The new financial year has also seen some legislative updates that may impact you, we’ve rounded-up some of the key changes.

Plus, we have two exciting events coming up: an Open Day at the Electorate Office, and a Webinar tailored for small business owners. Details and registration links are below – I hope to see you there.

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

Gambling Advertising Ban

In the two years since the Murphy Report was handed down, the government has bowed to lobbying pressure and made excuses instead of taking evidence-based action on gambling advertising reform.

I joined the crossbench in asking Minister Wells to urgently enact recommendation 26 of the report in full. I’m increasingly concerned—and frankly, a little cynical—that sport and communications have been combined under one minister this term. It only increases the risk of further delays and watered-down reform. Australians deserve leadership that puts public health ahead of vested interests.

Sport should be available without a saturation of gambling ads.

Climate Risk and Resilience

With climate fuelled extreme weather events, and the damage caused by them on the rise I met recently with both the Minister for Climate and Energy, Chris Bowen MP and the Assistant Minister for Climate Change, Josh Wilson MP to discuss my Climate Resilience Plan and to push for the release of the Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaption Plans. With insurance claims now exceeding $1.8B this year, too many are uninsured or underinsured and face losing everything.

Tax Changes to Superannuation Roundtable

We held a very productive roundtable with a number of constituents to understand their concerns about the proposed superannuation reforms to tax unrealised gains for balances over $3 million. One particular focus was on the impact that this tax will have on the investment in start-ups and small businesses. According to the Tech Council, nearly 20% of funding to start-ups is by a self-managed super fund. I’ll be continuing to engaged with key stakeholders on amendments to reduce

NDIS – Allied Health Provider Roundtable

I recently met with local allied health providers who are struggling under rushed NDIS pricing changes – including a 50% cut to travel reimbursements and reduced-price limits for vital services like physiotherapy and speech therapy. I’ve written to Minister Butler calling for an immediate pause and proper consultation.

AUKUS

Along with my crossbench colleagues, I am very concerned about the overall cost and lack of transparency around AUKUS and the feasibility of its ability to deliver the desired capabilities within the required timeframes. We have called on the government for an urgent parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS.

New Financial Year Updates

Some of the new financial year changes that will help relieve cost-of-living pressures include:

• Solar battery rebates - 30% discount for homes, small and small businesses
• Government funded Paid Parental Leave to rise to 120 days (from 110)
• Minimum wage rise by 3.5%
• Minimum superannuation employer contribution rises to 12% (from 11.5%)

Some social service payment rates and income limits will rise due to indexation.

Small Business Webinar

I will be hosting a Small Business Webinar in August.

Small businesses are the backbone of Australia's economy. However, many are feeling the strain of the current cost of living crisis, much like households. In Warringah alone, nearly 30,000 small businesses contribute to our community. I'm committed to learning more about their struggles and finding ways to provide support. Join our webinar to hear from experts, ask questions, and share your views. Please register your interest here.

Join Us for a Community Open Day!

We’re excited to invite you to our Community Open Day on Monday, 11th August at the Warringah Electorate Office in Manly.

This is your chance to drop by, meet our friendly team, and have an informal chat about any local issues or concerns you might have. We’ll also be sharing updates on the projects and initiatives we’ve been working on to support the Warringah community.

Whether you want to learn more about how we can assist you or just say hello, we’d love to see you.

When: Monday, 11th August, 3pm – 4.30pm
Where: Warringah Electorate Office, Units 4-6, 8-28 The Corso Manly

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

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