Community Newsletter

18 December 2025

Like so many, I’ve been deeply upset by the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. It was an attack not only on the Jewish community, but on the values that bind all Australians.

I want to express my deepest solidarity with Jewish people in Sydney and across Australia. Antisemitism has no place in our city, and Jewish Australians should never have to live in fear because of their faith.

At moments like this, it’s vital to remain united. Our strength as a city and as a country lies in our diversity, our tolerance and our refusal to let hatred come between us. There is no place for antisemitism or racism in Australia.

Our focus must be on supporting those affected by this tragedy - the victims, their families and the wider community – and on coming together. This is a time for us to look after each other, to listen, to show compassion, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to an Australia that is inclusive and respectful.

Importantly, this tragedy should not be exploited for political division. Inflammatory words undermine the social cohesion Australia has strived so hard for and distract from the real work of confronting hate and extremism wherever it emerges. I welcome the December 18th announcements by the Government following the National Cabinet meeting. I also welcome the immediate commitment to strengthen gun laws by the Prime Minister and Premier Minns, and following community feedback, I have written to them to express this support.

Sydney is at its best when we choose unity over division - and care over fear. In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue to work with our community to ensure everyone feels safe, supported and valued.

While we grapple with the impact of this attack, my team and I continue to work hard to represent the interests of Warringah. You can read more about that below.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful holiday season. This is a time when many of us gather with family, friends and community - a reminder of what truly matters.

Yours sincerely,

Zali

How to support Jewish Australians

The Jewish community is hurting right now. Here's a few ways to show solidarity:

• Call out antisemitism wherever it comes from and whenever you see it - on social media, in your communities and in public spaces
• Challenge content that promotes hate
• Amplify Jewish voices and perspectives in your networks
• Support Jewish friends and colleagues
• Light a candle in the window of your home every night until this Sunday night (the last night of the Jewish festival of Chanukah) - and tell your neighbours why.

Read on for updates on:

• Zali in Parliament
• Annual Climate Change Statement
• Out & About in Warringah
• Community Safety
• Upcoming Events
• Holiday Hours

Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video on Demand (Streaming Services)

In positive news from the last sitting week, legislation passed as a result of the ‘Save Our Screens’ campaign that mandates on-demand streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc.) to spend a minimum amount each year on new Australian programming. Amendments that would have set an objective for investment under the mandate to be balanced across culturally significant genres, such as drama, children’s programming, documentary, arts, and educational content were not supported by Government.

Environmental Protection Laws (EPBC)

Last sitting week, Parliament passed a major overhaul of our federal environmental laws – known as the ‘EPBC Act’. Whilst it’s a step forward to improving environmental protection and delivering clearer, more transparent approval processes, the law continues to fail to acknowledge the impacts of climate change on the environment. I moved amendments which would have obligated ministers to act with a duty of care for future generations of Australians, mandated climate risk financial disclosures, and allowed the new environmental protection agency to consider cumulative environmental risk. Disappointingly, the Government failed to adopt these amendments. 

Excise Tariff Amendment Draught Beer Bill 2025

Through this bill, the government paused indexation on customs tariffs for draught beer – providing relief to some brewers across Australia struggling to keep up with the rising cost of doing business in the alcoholic beverage industry. I moved an amendment highlighting the absence of relief for spirit distilleries and small craft breweries across Warringah, and called on the government to provide relief for producers of all types of alcohol until at least 1 August 2027.   

To view more of my parliamentary speeches, visit Parliament Updates

On 27 November, the independent Climate Change Authority released its annual Climate Change Statement. It's a snapshot of how Australia is progressing on climate policy, including assessing the efficacy of various federal initiatives, targets and programs.

The good news...

• In 2024-25, emissions are down 28.5% on 2005 levels, and 2.2% lower compared to last year
  • Emissions fell across most sectors – including electricity, chemicals, metals and agriculture.
• Renewables’ share in generating electricity for Australia’s two major grids was 40% in the year to October 2025. Renewables reached a record high in the National Energy Market of 78.2% in October.
• Australia’s coal plants are showing their age; they are increasingly unreliable and costly to operate. Outages – often unplanned – were one of the contributing factors to higher NEM prices in June.
• Electric vehicles represented 12.7% of new light vehicle sales between January and September 2025.
• I welcome the expansion of the home battery subsidy scheme to an allocation of $7 billion over 4 years, which is estimated to enable more than 2 million households and small business to install a battery by 2030.
• MYEFO highlighted the increasing costs of natural hazards and disasters, with an extra $6.3 billion allocation for natural disaster relief.
• Frustratingly, projected revenue from the PRRT has been downgraded by 23% this year and by 17% next year. I will continue to push for a fairer return for Australia from Australian natural resources.

What's needed for Australia on climate policy?

More ambition on climate targets

Both of Australia’s climate targets – for 2030 and 2035 – fall short of what’s needed to protect Australians and our way of life. We must follow what the science says is necessary: a climate target of at least 75% by 2035.

A sustainable aviation fuel target

The aviation industry accounted for 2.5% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2023. Australia still lacks a target for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is approximately 70%-80% less emissions intensive than traditional aviation fuel. The government has made progress by funding home-grown SAF projects, but more needs to be done.

Scope 3 emissions reporting

Scope 3 emissions are those that occur outside a company or country’s value chain, such as when Australia's coal is burnt overseas. These emissions aren’t measured by Australia, but they still warm our atmosphere. Disclosure of Scope 3 emissions must be required in annual corporate financial reporting.

Action on methane leakage

Methane is produced by commercial activity such as open-cut fossil fuel mining. Australia ranks 12th globally in methane emissions, which are the second largest contributor to climate change after CO2. International bodies say methane may be under-reported here by up to 60%. Fossil fuel miners should be held accountable for accurately monitoring, reporting, and slashing methane pollution.

Beach Safety

The NSW Government recently announced enhanced beach and shark-safety measures to help keep our community safe in the water. They include expanded shark-surveillance drones, additional surf patrols, and improved real-time alerts through the SharkSmart program.

Remember, the safest place to swim is at patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags. Find helpful safety information online at Beach Safety Hub.

Fire Safety

It was devastating to see a recent bushfire destroy 16 homes at Koolewong on the Central Coast. The emergency was a timely reminder that, with summer here, bushfire risks are heightened. We must be prepared and vigilant.

These simple fire safety measures can help keep your home safe over the fire season:
• Prepare your home now: clear gutters, trim overhanging trees or shrubs, remove leaf litter and combustible debris, and ensure hoses can reach all around the house.

• Make a household bushfire plan: discuss in advance when you will leave if fire threatens. Leaving early is the safest choice. 
• Stay alert for warnings: download the Hazards Near Me NSW app and monitor fire danger ratings, local alerts and weather conditions. 
• Know your escape routes and keep important documents and essentials ready to go.

For more comprehensive information and practical checklists, visit the official NSW Rural Fire Service website and download the Bushfire Survival Plan checklist.

Please join me in supporting local community events in Warringah over summer.

St Vincent de Paul Society Christmas Giving Appeal

On Thursday, 12 December, I visited St Vincent de Paul in Crows Nest to support their annual Christmas Giving Appeal. Each Christmas, St Vincent de Paul helps families in need during the holiday period. Donations – such as toys or food – can be dropped at the rear of St Vincents de Paul, 60 Alexander Street, Crows Nest, from 10am-3pm Mon-Fri. Direct inquiries to [email protected].

Sun Run – Saturday 31st January 2026

Challenge yourself to a 7km or 10km fun run or walk along the spectacular Northern Beaches coastline from Dee Why to Manly Beach. Sun Run aims to help raise over $100,000 for charities across Australia. Register here.

Cole Classic Ocean Swim – Sunday 1st February 2026

Held at Manly Beach, distances include 1km, 2km and 5km events with all funds raised distributed to a range of important NSW charities including Surfrider Foundation, Cancer Council NSW and One Meal. For more information and to enter visit the event website.

I wish you and your families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable festive season. My team and I will be taking a short break over the Christmas period.

The Manly electorate office will be closed from 5pm on Friday, 19 December, reopening on Monday 5 January 2026.

The Neutral Bay Community Hub will be closed from 19 December, reopening on Tuesday 3 February 2026.

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