Community Newsletter

17 September 2025

It was a busy couple of weeks in Canberra. I introduced my Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation) Bill 2025, an important step to strengthen Australia’s defence against the growing impacts of climate change. The Government has since released its one-off statement. More about that below.

I pressed the government on its failure to properly address plastic pollution, which continues to damage our oceans and environment, and I raised concerns about the future of Milsons Point Post Office, fighting to protect local services. I also seconded Allegra Spender’s motion on domestic violence, standing with colleagues to call for stronger national action to keep women and children safe. I also spoke about the growing concern of illegal vaping in our community.

I was voted as Deputy Chair for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. In this role, I will continue to look into evidence-based solutions to policy questions around the impact of climate change and how everyone can benefit from the clean energy transition.

At the same time, the government introduced legislation to curb procedural fairness for the people within the NZYQ cohort. This is a group of people who were seeking asylum within Australia and broke Australian laws. The government also brought forward a Freedom of Information Bill that while it raises some legitimate concerns, also seeks to reduce transparency on government decisions. Together, these measures raise real concerns about accountability and the protection of rights.

Back in Warringah, I’m looking forward to hosting a panel discussion next week on climate risk and resilience. This will be a chance to explore how we can prepare our community for a changing climate and build a future-ready Warringah together. You’ll find further details of events in your area under Upcoming Events 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.

National Adaptation Framework

I launched my Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation) Bill 2025. The legislation would require an arms-length National Climate Risk Assessment to be conducted every 5 years, with a National Adaptation Plan by the government in response. Alongside other key transparency measures, such as releasing Australia’s climate risk report from the Office of National Intelligence and embedding the true cost of climate change in the forward estimates of our Budget papers.

Over the next couple of months, I will be continuing to meet with members of Parliament to discuss the Bill. You can watch my speech introducing the Bill here.

In Question Time, I asked the Treasurer about Australia’s financial exposure to climate risk in the economy. You can watch his response here.

The National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan was released on Monday. It is a sobering read, highlighting the catastrophic, cascading, and compounding impacts of climate change on communities across Australia. For Warringah, the report outlines serious risks, including more frequent heatwaves, stronger storms, accelerating coastal erosion, and warming seas. That’s why my National Adaptation Framework Bill is so important to hold governments accountable for preparing and implementing plans to reduce climate risk and protect communities. Without accountability and urgent action, the consequences will only intensify.

You can read my full statement on my website.

Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (Measures No. 2) Bill 2025

The government rushed through changes to the Migration Act that assists in expediting the removal of individuals within the NZYQ cohort that have been selected to be resettled in Nauru. The Bill does this through curbing their access to procedural fairness by the Courts.

Procedural fairness and natural justice are cornerstones of our justice system. However, this legislation curtails the Court’s ability to apply these where a decision to remove a person to a third party has been made. This Bill establishes a dangerous precedent for future governments. I seconded the Member for Curtin, Kate Chaney’s motion to refer the Bill to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and introduced a second reading amendment to the Bill highlighting these concerns in the Chamber. You can watch my speech here.

National Youth Parliament

I am pleased to advise that Expressions of Interest for National Youth Parliament are now open. Through this exciting new program, young people from all walks of life will engage directly with civics and the Parliament. 
 
This program will see 150 high school students—one from each federal electorate—selected to participate in a five-day residential program in Canberra in 2026. As Youth Members, they will gain firsthand experience of parliamentary processes, from drafting and debating bills to understanding how laws are passed.

All costs associated with the program including travel and accommodation will be covered. This is an exciting opportunity for young people in Warringah to apply. It will provide a unique platform to develop their leadership skills, engage in democratic decision-making, and represent their communities at a national level. 

Further information about the National Youth Parliament can be found here.

I will be hosting a Climate Risk & Resilience Event on Wednesday 24th September in North Sydney.

This is an excellent opportunity for the Warringah community to come together and discuss the critical issue of climate change and how we can take action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Panellists:

• Zali Steggall MP, Federal Member for Warringah
• Greg Mullins AO AFSM, Former Commissioner of Fire & Rescue NSW, Founder Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA)  
• Julia Davis, Senior Policy & Communications Officer, Financial Rights Legal Service
• Emma Aisbett PhD, Associate Professor, ANU College of Law, Governance and Policy

Bookings are essential. Click for further information and to register

Youth Ambassador Program

Last week I hosted the final Youth Ambassador meeting with the 2025 Year 12 leaders, who will soon be finishing school and preparing for their final exams. Throughout the year, our discussions have spanned a wide range of topics including the impacts of third-hand vaping, building a personal brand, transport reliability, career stress, and mental health.

It has been a pleasure hearing directly from students about the issues most important to them. I wish them every success in their exams and in the exciting next chapter ahead.

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

Online Safety

The eSafety Commissioner's website has useful resources for parents and carers to help keep kids safe online: esafety.gov.au/parents

Manly Jazz 2025: 19-21 September

Australia's longest-running jazz festival featuring a dynamic and diverse program celebrating the rich traditions and evolving future of jazz music.

Manly Markets: Sunday 21 September 9am-5pm

Meet Team Zali at the Manly Markets to talk about what matters most to you and find out how the Electorate Office can help you with issues from social services to immigration. You can also try your luck against the clock on the SkiErg with prizes up for grabs.

NSW Rural Fire Service - Get Ready Weekend, 20-21 September

As the bush fire season approaches, it's crucial for NSW residents and landowners to be aware of their risk and take steps to protect their homes and properties.

The following Northern Beaches RFS brigades in and around Warringah are holding Get Ready Weekend Events on 20th & 21st September. More locations can be found here.

Night at the Barracks: until 5 October

North Head Sanctuary, Manly

A celebration of Australian artists in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Sustainability Fair and Seaside Scavenge: Sunday 21 Sept, Mosman

A day of coastal fun at Balmoral Beach featuring a beach clean-up, live music and short talks.

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

Under the theme “Connection, Culture & Creativity”, this free, family-friendly event promises a full day of vibrant entertainment, delicious food, and unique market finds.

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

Walk with us along the leafy streets and harbour paths of North Sydney to support Mary’s House Services, providing vital refuge and support to women and children escaping domestic and family violence. Register here.

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.