Community Updates, Climate Resilience, Transport Relief
24 March 2025
Back in Warringah, hearing about what matters
It's been great to be back in Warringah for the last few weeks. I’ve enjoyed getting out to meet and speak with so many in the community.
We have held two community forums, the first in Crows Nest and another in Mosman on Monday with some really constructive discussions about issues that are important to the community and how I am responding some of the key challenges. From cost-of-living, affordable housing, transport, AUKUS, managing climate and more. You can view the recordings of each event here.
Coming up, I’ll also be hosting a special panel with Member for Mackellar Sophie Scamps and John Hewson in Dee Why on April 1, and a Politics in the Pub at Freshwater Brewery on April 2, so please check below for the details — I hope to see you there.
In the last few weeks, I’ve enjoyed speaking with local students, teachers and parents. This included attending a presentation at Redlands looking at the advancement of gender equality, empowerment and e-safety in an increasingly digital world. The e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant shared some useful resources that can support parents to have conversations with their kids about staying safe online. Read more.
And while Warringah was spared from much of the deluge from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, it was a sobering reminder that you cannot insure your way out of a climate crisis — and much more needs to be done to help protect communities through climate adaptation in addition to mitigation measures. That is why I have announced my Climate Resilience Plan, with a National Climate Risk Adaptation Framework, and also a $10b Climate Resilience plan to safeguard our communities — paid for by phasing out fuel tax credits for mining and industry, leaving a $1.5b bonus in the budget — a win win!
Commuters and students who have been left stranded, or with long wait times, will soon feel some relief with 50 new articulated buses and 10 B-line double-decker buses ordered to support public transport services across the Northern Beaches and North Shore. This announcement has been a welcome step forward, but there is much more to do. I will continue to advocate for a reliable, efficient and climate-friendly transport system that meets the needs of Warringah — now and into the future.
I’ve also been working with state MPs Michael Regan and Jacqui Scruby to address the well-founded concerns about the Northern Beaches Hospital, including adverse outcomes, staffing ratios, the hospitals financial viability and questions about the effectiveness of the public-private model. I welcome the announcement of a parliamentary inquiry and will continue to push for answers. Amidst all this, I want to acknowledge and thank the hard-working staff caring for our community in difficult conditions.
And in pleasing news, NSW public schools will get a $4.8b boost in funding over the next decade. This long-overdue commitment lifts the Commonwealth’s share to 25% of the Schooling Resource Standard, ensuring fairer funding for students.
Read on for updates on:
Zali in Parli
My $10bn Climate Resilience plan to safeguard the economy
I have launched my $10bn Climate Resilience Plan to better protect our communities from climate risk.
While accelerating the transition to net zero should be our number one objective, investments in risk reduction and climate resilience must be a priority. Ignoring reality by not adequately planning and preparing for growing climate risks is nothing short of negligence from the major parties. Communities need action now.
The Climate Resilience Plan includes:
- $10b for a new Climate Resilience Facility Fund to back climate resilience infrastructure projects around the country.
- $40 million to expand the work of the Resilient Building Council in measuring resilience and incentivising risk reduction (via the Resilience Rating System) and the development of a Household Climate Resilient Certificate for homes.
- Legislating national climate resilience assessment and adaptation plan to be conducted every 5 years
- Updating the National Construction Code to promote low cost, climate-resilient and energy-efficient housing.
- Better co-ordination between all levels of government to create stronger land planning controls to ensure new developments are not built in high-risk areas (such as flood zones)
The $10bn investment has been independently modelled by the Parliamentary Budget Office and results in a net gain of $1.5bn to the Budget.
2025 Federal Budget
The Federal Budget will be handed down on Tuesday 25 March. In the Treasurer’s pre-Budget address on Tuesday and the Brisbane Press Club, Chalmers has already flagged that the Budget will be in deficit, dominated by the recovery and rebuild following ex-Cyclone Alfred, which will cost more than $1 billion. In the Budget, I will be looking for funding for key policy areas, including safety, defence and aid, climate risk and cost-of-living relief. I will be sending out my Budget analysis following the Treasurer’s speech.
To view my parliamentary speeches visit my Parliament Updates.
I seek to represent the views of Warringah and welcome feedback. My approach to legislation is on my website as is my Voting Record.
Out and About in Warringah
Youth Ambassador Meeting
I recently had the pleasure of hosting the first Youth Ambassador meeting for the 2025 school leaders in Warringah. Mosman High School kindly hosted the event and we were delighted to have over 35 students in attendance from 11 different schools. We discussed the issues that matter most to the students, with topics covering transport reliability and career stress to mental health and drug and alcohol education. I look forward to our next meeting so we can dive deeper into these important issues.
Mosman Community Forum
Last week I hosted a community forum in Mosman responding to the questions and concerns of the community. Held at Mosman Art Gallery, it was a full house with over 200 in attendance.
We discussed a range of issues and I answered questions on topics from transport and tax to nuclear and climate risk. It was a great opportunity to chat to constituents in person and hear firsthand how they would like me to represent them in Canberra.
To view a recording of the event, click here.
International Women’s Day Breakfast
I co-hosted an IWD Breakfast with Kylea Tink MP, Federal Member for North Sydney, at Rydges, North Sydney. The panel included writer Catherine Fox, Redlands Principal Sean Corcoran and writer and Cheek Media CEO Hannah Ferguson. We covered a range of topics from generational gender divide and gender-based violence, to progress in parliament and women in leadership. It was wonderful to see so many young people in the audience including many schools students from the local area.
Protecting North Head for Future Generations
I warmly welcome the updated deed agreement between the Harbour Trust and the NSW Government, which will safeguard North Head Sanctuary through to 2123. This is a positive outcome for our community that will ensure this culturally rich site that is home to unique natural spaces and is a treasured part of Warringah, remains under the stewardship of the Harbour Trust.
Importantly, this long-term agreement will provide the certainty needed to move forward with the North Head Sanctuary Master Plan — ensuring that conservation, public access, and heritage protection are all delivered in a coordinated and sustainable way.
Upcoming Events
Power of Balance – Tuesday 1st April, Dee Why RSL
Zali will be joining Dr Sophie Scamps MP, John Hewson and Jeff McMullen to discuss the role of independents in this new era of Australian politics.
Independent MPs are changing the face of democracy in Australia through grassroots people powered politics, challenging the traditional party system and bringing integrity back to government with genuine community representation. What opportunities will Independent control of the balance of power bring?
Politics in the Pub with Zali – Wed 2nd April, Freshwater Brewing Co.
Enjoy a delicious meal in the Taproom, a drink, or both — and hear from your Federal MP about how she's been working hard for Warringah. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and have your say about how you'd like Zali to best represent you in Canberra.
Election Information
As we are in an election year, here are a few important items to consider:
Enrol to vote
If you are over 18 and an Australian citizen, it is compulsory to vote. Visit the AEC to register or update your details.
Postal Voting
If you are going to be away on election day, you can apply for a postal vote.
Here to Help
Please contact my office on 99776411 or email me at [email protected] if you need assistance connecting with any of the following services.
- Aged care plans
- Service Australia enquiries
- Immigration and Citizenship Matters
- Congratulatory message for special Birthdays and Wedding Anniversaries
- NDIS Arrangements
If you would like to join the team for the upcoming election, sign up here.
Mosman Community Hub
Zali’s Community Hub is now open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.
Drop in to have a chat with our friendly volunteer team, pick up information on Zali, request a meeting with Zali or find out how to volunteer with Team Zali and get kitted out in merchandise.
1/559 Military Road, Mosman
Please share this newsletter with your friends and family to keep them updated, or encourage them to sign up here on my website.
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