Standing up for Warringah in Parliament
19 February 2026
The last fortnight in Parliament was filled with crucial debates and decisions. I spoke up on issues that matter to Warringah - from protecting public land at HMAS Penguin to reforming unfair child support rules, and recognising immigration as one of Australia’s greatest strengths.
I was honoured to attend a morning tea with Stolen Generations survivors, marking the anniversary of the National Apology. Their stories are a powerful reminder of why truth-telling and progress on Closing the Gap remain so important.
I also raised concerns about Australian gas exports, children’s rights in dealings with ASIO, and the many unanswered questions about the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza.
Outside Parliament, it’s been inspiring to watch our Australian Winter Olympians shine at the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. And this month, I’m taking part in the Takayna Trail ultramarathon in Tasmania, to highlight the need to protect this incredible rainforest.
I look forward to connecting with you at upcoming Warringah events. Your ideas and voices inspire me to keep fighting hard for my wonderful community.
Yours sincerely,
Zali
Read on for:
Parliament Update
I moved a motion asking the House of Representatives to recognise migration as a strength to Australia’s economy and social fabric, and that migrants are essential to small businesses by filling skills shortages and supporting local jobs. I urged all Members to have a respectful, evidence-based debate on migration and to reject divisive rhetoric that targets migrant communities. I also cautioned against scapegoating migrants for challenges like housing and called out the fearmongering we too often see from One Nation.
In Question Time, I asked the Prime Minister about the ongoing lack of answers for the grieving family of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was killed in Gaza nearly two years ago. I highlighted that the conflict has been devastating for media and humanitarian workers, with hundreds of journalists and aid workers killed, and noted that Zomi’s brother has raised deep concerns with the government about the absence of accountability. I pressed the government to back an independent war-crimes investigation into her death and the targeting of aid workers and journalists and asked what accountability the Prime Minister would seek from Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
In a speech to Parliament, I called out how Australia’s gas export settings are pushing up local prices, even though we don’t have a true gas shortage. I highlighted the outsized influence of overseas LNG interests and the scale of foreign equity in Australian gas projects, while Australians face higher bills. I urged the government to put Australians first with a credible domestic reservation, better transparency and methane regulation, and a credible plan to phase down gas rather than pretending it’s “green”.
I moved amendments to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025to ensure that children are adequately represented and protected if ASIO seeks to question them. Whilst the number of youths being radicalised online is growing, any child who interacts with the justice system or intelligence agencies must have their rights upheld.
I spoke on the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026, which – whilst making largely technical changes to the Social Security Act – does not address desperately needed reforms of the child support system to protect single mothers from bankruptcy and financial abuse by non-compliant parents.
In question time and various briefings with ministers in the Defence portfolio, I raised community concerns relating to the planned partial divestment of HMAS Penguin by the Department of Defence and communicated my strong view that any development of the site must include social and affordable housing and open spaces for public use.
To view more of my parliamentary speeches, visit Parliament Updates
Out and About in Warringah
Warringah Sustainability Guide
My team has been working on a Warringah Sustainability Guide — a practical resource to help households and local businesses take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more resilient future.
The guide offers straightforward tips to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut electricity and water use, and prepare for the climate challenges ahead. It’s now available to download online.
Printed copies will be available for collection during Climate Action Week 9-15 March.
Upcoming Events
International Women’s Day Breakfast – Wednesday 18th March, North Sydney
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, I’m hosting a community breakfast with Nicolette Boele, Federal Member for Bradfield. Facilitated by Christine Kininmonth, and featuring guest speakers Craig Foster and Satara Uthayakumaran, we’ll explore how we can work together to build a more equal, respectful and inclusive community.
Tickets are available now via Humanitix.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Saturday 21 February
Victoria Street, Chatswood, 10am-9pm
Welcome in the Year of the Horse at one of Sydney’s largest Lunar New Year celebrations. Team Zali volunteers will be handing out red envelopes and chocolate coins as part of the new year celebration.
Cole Classic, Manly Beach: Sunday 22 February
Entries are still open for this Sunday’s iconic ocean swim at Manly Beach. Choose from 1km, 2km or 5km distances with funds raised going to a range of important NSW charities. https://coleclassic.com.au/
Mosman Art Walk: 19 February – 10 March
Mosman Art Walk returns for its sixth year transforming Mosman’s shopping village into a free public gallery with more than 70 works displayed in local shop windows. Featuring well-known artists including Ken Done, Ann Cape, Jumaadi and Ben Brown, the event also showcases student works at Mosman Library for the first time.
Visit www.mosmanartwalk.com
Clean up Australia Day: Sunday 1st March
Team Zali will be volunteering at a number of locations across Warringah to help clean up our beautiful waterways and reserves. If you would like to participate, join one of the locations below or find the one closest to you:
- Balgowlah: North Harbour Reserve, 2pm – 4pm
- Curl Curl Lagoon: 2 Stewart Street, 8am - 10am
- Manly Cove, 9am - 11am
- Mosman, Taylors Bay: 10.30am - 12pm
Climate Action Week: 9-15 March
My team is hosting a number of drop-in sessions at the Neutral Bay Community Hub during Climate Action Week. Bring your questions and learn practical ways to electrify your home.
Apartment Electrification & Energy Efficiency
Tuesday 10 March, 10am-12pm
Wed 11 March 10am-12pm
Thursday 12 March 6pm-8pm
Solar & Battery Electrification for Houses
Tuesday 10 March 6pm-8pm
Thursday 12 March 10am-12pm
Friday 13 March 10am-12pm
Sustainability Guide
Collect a free copy of the brand‑new Sustainability Guide - a practical resource designed to help households and businesses take confident steps toward a cleaner, more resilient future.
Tuesday 10 March - Friday 13th March 10am-1pm
Balmoral Swim: Sunday 22nd March
Entries are now open for the Balmoral Swim with 1km, 2.5km and 5km distances on offer, as well as school and relay events. Funds raised go to the Children’s Cancer Institute.
Here to Help
Here are some of the ways my team and I 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.
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