Community Newsletter

15 April 2026

In the last sitting week of Parliament, I was proud to represent our community and keep pushing for practical solutions to the challenges that matter most.

I called for a 25% gas export tax - highlighting its potential to deliver urgent budget repair and enable relief to families struggling to put food on the table during this cost-of-living crisis. I also spoke out against the federal government’s weak gambling law reform proposals.

I met with government ministers to advocate for truth in political advertising laws, and to discuss the future of the HMAS Penguin site at Balmoral, as well as the vital work of Mary’s House, a crisis refuge supporting women and children. I also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to press for justice for the family of slain aid worker Zomi Frankcom, and to urge stronger protections for all humanitarian workers in war zones.

Alongside this, I hosted an event celebrating our Olympians and Paralympians, and welcomed Parents for Climate to Parliament to discuss building a safer future for our children.

Next week, I’ll be hosting a Community Town Hall in Mosman - I look forward to hearing from you and working together on the issues affecting our community.

Zali

Read on for:

• Parliament Update
• Upcoming Events
• Out & About
• Grants
• Here to Help

Last sitting week in Parliament, I called on the Government to finally deliver a fair return to Australians from our gas exports by legislating a stronger tax on extraordinary export profits. I argued that while gas companies continue to benefit from global price shocks, Australians are missing out on revenue that could help ease cost-of-living pressure and support the clean energy transition. It is simply not good enough that one of the world’s biggest gas-exporting nations fails to properly tax its own resources.

I also pressed the Prime Minister on what tangible progress has been made to secure justice for Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, two years after her unlawful killing in Gaza, and whether the Government would support a humanitarian peace prize in her honour. Mal Frankcom – Zomi’s brother – and I met with the Prime Minister to continue advocating for transparency, accountability and proper recognition of Zomi’s life and service. This remains a deeply important matter, and I will keep pushing for justice for Zomi and her family.

I spoke in support of the High Seas Biodiversity Bill, which will allow Australia to finally ratify the global high seas treaty and strengthen protections for marine life in international waters. As a coastal community, ocean conservation is deeply ingrained in Warringah’s identity. I welcomed the bill as a vital step for ocean conservation, highlighted the importance of assessing cumulative environmental impacts, including climate change, and argued that as a maritime nation Australia must show leadership in protecting the oceans that sustain our climate, biodiversity and coastal communities.  

Finally, I spoke about the national significance of the Bradleys Head Naval Memorial in Warringah, as Australia marks 125 years of Royal Australian Navy service. I highlighted the deep historical importance of the site, including its connection to HMAS Sydney and the sailors whose service and sacrifice it commemorates. I also acknowledged the extraordinary local effort by Mosman Parks and Bushland Association that helped secure this recognition, ensuring Bradleys Head remains a place of remembrance and reflection for generations to come.

To view more of my parliamentary speeches, visit Parliament Updates

Commmunity Town Hall in Mosman, 21st April

I look forward to hosting a Community Town Hall in Mosman next week. It is an opportunity to connect and ensure local voices continue to shape the priorities I take to Canberra. I look forward to providing an update on the Government’s proposed partial divestment of HMAS Penguin from my discussions with Minister Gallagher and will be joined by Mosman Mayor, Ann Marie Kimber.

I hope you can join me - to stay informed, share your perspective, and be part of the discussion.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

Manly Rotary Fun Run – Sunday 19th April

Join Team Zali in the 2026 Manly Rotary Fun Run - walk or run and be part of the fun in a 2km, 5km or 10km distance. All proceeds go to the charities supported by Manly Rotary.  For further details and to enter, click here.

Manly Markets – Sunday 19th April

Manly will be buzzing with all the Fun Run participants. Drop in and say hi at the Team Zali stall in Sydney Rd, chat to our volunteers and pick up a copy of our new Sustainability Guide and Seniors Guide.

In Canberra, it was great to catch up with Warringah Paralympian Ben Tudhope after another outstanding Winter Games, where he brought home silver and bronze in Para snowboard. I also welcomed Parents for Climate to Parliament to discuss practical climate solutions that cut school energy costs and build resilience for children and communities.

Back in Warringah, I attended the Pioneer Clubhouse Open Day to see the strength of community‑led mental health recovery, and celebrated Taldumande’s 50th birthday at a record‑breaking fundraising dinner supporting children, young people and families. I also met with Nathan Moran, CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, to discuss local priorities and outcomes for community.

Volunteer Grants

My office received over 70 Expressions of Interest for the very popular Volunteer Grant Program which provides federal grants between $1,000 and $5,000 (totalling $66,665 per electorate) to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations that rely on volunteers. Successful nominees will soon be invited to lodge an application with the Department of Social Services, with successful applicants to be notified in October 2026. 

Local Sporting Champions & Para Champions Grants

The LSC and LPC programs provide financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors participating in state, national or international sporting championships. Successful applicants receive up to $1000 towards the cost of attending their championships. Round 4, 2025-26 closes 30th April 2026 

Here are some of the ways my team and I can help:

Sustainability Guide

Our new Sustainability Guide is a practical resource to help households and local businesses take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more resilient future. It brings together clear, accessible information for owners of houses, apartments and small businesses. Feel free to collect a hard copy from the office 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 from the Electorate Office in Manly or the Neutral Bay Community Hub, or download here. 

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.

How You can Help

One Meal Northern Beaches is facing increased operational strain due to rising fuel costs, which threaten to disrupt its vital food delivery and community meal services for vulnerable locals. The volunteer-run charity is seeking community support to sustain its operations in Brookvale and beyond. If you are able, please consider donating funds or dropping off non-perishable food items to our office in Manly or the Community Hub in Neutral Bay. 

Support the Warmth for Ukraine campaign. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure remains under constant attack, making its restoration and protection critical for communities as winter approaches. This campaign is raising much‑needed funds to help keep homes, hospitals and essential services powered. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference. If you’re able to help, please consider donating via Warmth for Ukraine – Future Ukraine.

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