Community Newsletter

29 January 2026

I hope you were able to enjoy time with family and friends over the past couple of months, and to make the most of everything our beautiful electorate has to offer.

Parliament was recalled in January to consider legislation responding to the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi. While I supported both Bills, the rushed process was deeply disappointing. I moved several amendments to strengthen the laws and make them clearer and fairer. Unfortunately, these amendments were not supported. I will continue to work to ensure laws passed by Parliament reflect community expectations.

In recent days I have called for a Royal Commission into domestic violence to be urgently established. Like many Australians, I was shocked by the tragedy at Lake Cargelligo where a man, on bail for pending domestic violence charges, allegedly murdered three people, including a pregnant woman with whom he was previously in a relationship. Only a national royal commission has the power to fully examine why warning signs are repeatedly missed, and where accountability lies when the system fails across the nation.

Closer to home, the recent shark attack and sightings around Manly Beach have understandably been unsettling. The ocean is central to daily life for many people in the electorate, whether for work, recreation or wellbeing. I will continue to support evidence-based shark mitigation measures that prioritise public safety while respecting our oceans. It is essential we get the balance right.

Finally, the Australia Day Honours have been announced and I congratulate the local recipients. The awards acknowledge those who give their time and energy to make a real difference in our community - work that often happens quietly behind the scenes. It’s wonderful to see these vital contributions recognised on the national stage.

As always, I’m grateful for your engagement, feedback and support, and I look forward to keeping you updated as the year unfolds.

Yours sincerely,

Zali

Read on for:

• Parliament Update
• Community News
• Seniors Guide
• Upcoming Events
• Here to Help

The return to Parliament was a sobering one. I spoke in the House during the condolence motion for the victims of the horrific Bondi attack, honouring those who lost their lives and standing with their families, loved ones and the wider community in grief. I also made clear that there is no place for antisemitism, hatred or extremism in Australia.

I addressed Parliament on the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill, reinforcing the importance of strong and modern gun laws to keep our community safe. In light of recent events, I moved an amendment to strengthen background checks and ensure people with histories of domestic violence cannot access firearms. Community safety must always come first, and I will continue to push for practical, evidence-based reforms that protect people and prevent harm.

To view more of my parliamentary speeches, visit Parliament Updates

Back home in Warringah, it’s been a privilege to spend time with our community and recognise the people and organisations who make our area such a special place to live. I had the honour of attending Citizenship Ceremonies and Australia Day Award presentations across Warringah, celebrating residents who generously give their time, skills and passion to strengthen our community.

I congratulate the Australia Day Award recipients from Northern Beaches Council and Mosman Council, whose contributions deserve recognition and thanks.

I also visited Cremorne Synagogue, where I met with Rabbi Mendel Slavin to express solidarity following the Bondi attacks, and to discuss the importance of standing together against antisemitism and all forms of hate. Rabbi Slavin shared the history of a Torah saved from a burning synagogue during WWII and later brought to Sydney by Dr Hirsch, a member of the congregation who donated it on his arrival in Australia. He also shared that Dr Hirsch’s great-nephew, Yaakov Levitan — a dear friend of his — was among those murdered in the Bondi attack, and had hoped for his son to one day read from the Torah. Hearing this deeply personal story was profoundly moving, and reinforced the importance of standing together against antisemitism, hatred and violence.

My team has been busy working on an updated Guide for Seniors with the latest information on aged care, including recent changes to in-home and residential care. The guide is available to download, or you are welcome to visit my Electorate Office in Manly or the Community Hub in Neutral Bay to collect a hard copy.

Film Screening and Q&A - Tuesday 17 February, Cremorne Orpheum

The screening of Takayna - The Heart of Lutruwita will commence at 6.30pm followed by a panel discussion moderated by:
- Saxon Wright - Pablo & Rusty's Founder & Huskee Co-Founder, in discussion with:
- Zali Steggall OAM MP - Federal Member for Warringah
- Kate Turner - Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Investors
- Will Rayward-Smith - Executive Director at Net Zero Commission

Bookings are essential

Lunar New Year Celebration, Chatswood – Saturday 21 February, 10am-5pm

Welcome in the Year of the Horse at one of Sydney’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations. Team Zali will have a stall on Victoria Ave and will be handing out red envelopes and chocolate coins.

Our first newsletter of the year is a great opportunity to remind you that my team are here to be of service to the Warringah Community. Here are some of the ways we can help:

Government Service Support

We can provide support on matters relating to Aged Care Plans, Services Australia enquiries, Immigration and Citizenship matters.

Congratulatory Messages

For a special birthday or wedding anniversary. Further details here. 

Be Scam Aware

Awareness is our best protection against scams. The government’s “Little Book of Scams” includes information on how to spot and avoid scams. Feel free to drop in and pick up a copy or download here.

Seniors Guide

To help seniors and their families navigate the government services and supports available, pick up a hard copy of our guide or download here.

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