Working Hard for Warringah!

Posted by 5sc on May 20, 2022

20 May 2022

WORKING HARD FOR WARRINGAH!

One final Warringah Community Newsletter from the 46^th Parliament!

It’s been another busy few weeks here in Warringah, representing you, hearing from you and making sure your big concerns are on the National Agenda. Being your Federal Member truly remains such an honour.

As well as working with my team to assist with NDIS concerns, Aged Care packages, Immigration issues and other assistance in the last few weeks, I’ve taken part in a number of forums covering important issues such as integrity, homelessness, human rights and the need to protect the ABC. My team and I have also been meeting with constituents and I was pleased to host two of our regular local community forums – a chance for you to hear from me, and more importantly for me to hear directly from you!

I’ve also enjoyed being out and about in the community – from school visits to Bowling Club events, Surf Club presentation nights to Citizenship Ceremonies, it’s a real highlight of being the Federal Member to meet with the community, to hear your concerns and issues and to discuss with you what we all love and cherish about our area.

Please read on to hear about all the important news here in Warringah and consider sharing this newsletter with your networks.

Important election information is included at the end, or you can view it all here. Applications for Postal votes are closing today but remember prepoll venues are open until 6pm Friday.

If you have any questions about my policies, voting record or achievements you can visit my website or phone my office on 9977 6411.

Finally, a huge thank you to all the amazing volunteers serving our community here in Warringah. This week is National Volunteers Week – an opportunity for us to thank and celebrate the incredible work done by volunteers - read on below for details about local volunteering opportunities

Thank you again for the honour of serving Warringah. I look forward to continue to be a strong and independent voice for our community in the 47^th Parliament.

1. COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Manly Community Forum
It was wonderful to speak at a recent meeting of the Manly Community Forum. All candidates standing for Warringah at the Federal election were invited to attend but only Kristyn Glanville and I turned up. Listening and hearing from the community is the most important part of being a member of Parliament. Thank you to all who took time to come and for the community’s great questions and engagement. The Manly Community Forum meets each month and discusses a range of issues affecting the Manly community. If you’re a local, I encourage you to get in touch.

Lifeline Book Fair
Dr Sophie Scamps (the Independent candidate for Mackellar) and I were delighted to be able to support the recent Lifeline Book Fair in Forestville. We made our picks from thousands of books, CDs, vinyl, puzzles and more. This book fair supports the great work that Lifeline Northern Beaches does for the mental health of our community, and their services are always in need. Please visit Lifeline’s website if you can support them.

Kylea Tink Border Walk
Not even the rain could stop this community movement! We had an amazing turnout for our border walk with “Team Tink” supporting Kylea Tink in our neighbouring seat of North Sydney. This is genuine community representation - politics done better and the major parties just don’t get it!! Thank you to everyone who turned out for the walk. Personally I think turquoise and pink look great together - I can’t wait to see Kylea in Canberra!

Rugby Marlins – Ladies Day
A brilliant afternoon down at Manly Oval for the Manly Marlins “Ladies Day”. With their theme of “the time machine” they raised thousands of dollars for the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter. There was also some rugby played with Manly Marlins defeating the Northern Suburbs rugby club! It was very special to share the afternoon with my dad who played for both teams, including winning the Premiership for Norths in 1963. It was great to catch up with Presidents Cameron Douglas (Marlins) and Grahame O'Donnell (Norths). Good luck to both clubs for the season ahead! Well played everyone!

Balmoral Swim
It was a beautiful day for the Balmoral Swim for cancer! This fun community event has been raising funds for cancer charities since 1990 and after some COVID affected years, it was great to be back swimming together! Thank you to everyone involved in organising this wonderful event. You can still donate to the cause by visiting the pledge page here

Surfers for Climate
It was great to be at the Harbord Hotel to talk climate and our oceans with Surfrider, Surfers4climate & Patagonia. I was so inspired by the turnout of young passionate people who will help turn this crisis around.

Sailability Volunteer recognition
“Freedom on the water, regardless of ability”.

This is what the crew at Sailability Manly have been providing to members of our community living with a disability. It was great to join them all for their volunteer thank you dinner.

Their principal aim is to facilitate sailing for people with disabilities, on what is acknowledged as one of the most spectacular waterways in the world, sailing from Manly Yacht Club and using the expanses of Manly Cove and North Harbour.

I’m so proud to have such a compassionate and dedicated group right here in Warringah and it was wonderful to join with them to celebrate their volunteers.

The club is always looking for new volunteers so if you love sailing and are looking to try something new, please do get in touch, they’d love to hear from you: www.manlysailability.com.au/

Here’s to many more years of smooth sailing ahead!!

Mosman Council Citizenship
One of my absolute favourite parts of the job as the Federal Member for Warringah is taking part in our Councils’ Citizenship Ceremonies. I love seeing the smiles, hearing the accents and sharing the stories. Every journey is different but every new citizen does us a tremendous honour by choosing Australia. Congratulations to all the new citizens and thank you Mosman Council for putting on such a wonderful ceremony.

Dreams2Live4 Lunch
Dreams2live4 makes dreams come true for adult patients who are living with metastatic cancer (meaning any cancer which has spread), relapsed lymphoma, relapsed leukaemia and aggressive brain tumours. It was great to join together with 100s of local women for a wonderful lunch at Orso at the Spit to raise much needed funds.

Living with metastatic cancer can be an overwhelming battle for patients and their loved ones. Dreams2live4 empowers these patients to dream and find purpose again, bringing joy, hope and dignity into their lives.

Last year Dreams2Live4 worked with more than 380 dreamers and their families and they now reach out to over 240 hospitals across Australia. Please support if you can. See the website to donate: https://dreams2live4.org.au/

Mosman Bowling Club – Celebrating 120 years
Such a fun night to join with the members of the Mosman Bowling Club to celebrate 120 years of this iconic community institution! This inclusive club has open arms for new members. Join their opening day on the 22nd of May for a relaxed post-election game.

Seaforth Bowling Club morning tea
Congratulations to all involved at Seaforth Bowling Club. I was honoured to open their new outdoor facilities, including a wonderful Childrens’ playground. The upgrades were made possible under the Stronger Community Grants programme, overseen by my independent Warringah grants committee.

If you’re part of a club or organisation looking for new funding opportunities, please contact Rachael, the Grants officer in my team.

If you live in the Seaforth area, I encourage you to get along to the club, have a chat to the members and take a look around - and consider joining up!!

Ripper Nippers
What a great night celebrating at Ripper Nippers presentation night with North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club.

The Ripper Nipper program is open to children who have mild intellectual or physical disabilities that can physically access the beach.
The program aims to
• Provide promote and teach sun/ surf safety and surf awareness skills.
• Provide Surf Lifesaving based activities for children with intellectual and physical disabilities.
• Access to a leisure activity that may not have been previously available.
• Facilitate integration within the Surf Club community with these children, their families and carers.

It’s appropriate in National Volunteering Week to give a huge heartfelt thanks to the incredible David Cowell who runs the program. Thank you fir your vision, compassion and great humour!!

For more information about this incredible program click here.

Also a big thank you to Balgowlah RSL Club and the Lions Club of Manly for their generous support that makes this program possible!

2. COMMUNITY TOWN HALL MEETINGS

It was terrific to once again host some of our popular Town Hall Meetings – this time at North Curl Curl and Manly Vale. These Town Hall meetings are a great opportunity for me and my team to have a chat about the issues of concern to you – some commonly mentioned issues are a Federal Integrity Commission, The Economic Recovery, The Environment, NDIS concerns and Aged Care packages. We are here to listen and to act so keep an eye out for future Town Hall dates and venues.

3. PUBLIC FORUMS

Smart Energy Council Fuel Security Summit
Did you know that Australia only has 32 days of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel supply? Fortunately there were some great minds in the room to discuss this issue at a recent Fuel Security Summit hosted by the Smart Energy Council. We know that self-sufficiency and security must be our goal. Other countries are taking steps to reduce oil dependency - they're mitigating these risks by becoming energy self-sufficient. Australia can too with my 5 Steps to Net Zero. It offers Australia long-term certainty in terms of a legislative agenda and a framework to ensure delivery & accountability of Government, and a clear framework for the next 10 years so that business and industry can plan ahead. Here's my speech from the summit.

Micah Breakfast – Human Rights for all
It was a pleasure to speak to the Micah womens leaders network breakfast. A room full of motivated Christian women campaigning for a #SaferWorld for all, putting the focus on Australia’s contribution through acceptance of refugees and delivery of international aid.

Thanks to Reverend Tim Costello and Micah for inviting me.

Smart Energy Council Expo
It was great to speak at the recent Smart Energy Council expo on the cost of living, the climate and my ‘5 Steps to Net Zero.’ As I said in my speech, “this election is crucial to our trajectory as a nation.” Let’s make it count! To view my “5 Steps to Net Zero” visit https://www.zalisteggall.com.au/climate

The Australia Institute – Integrity
Is this the Integrity Election? The Australia Institute think so. There’s no denying Australia needs new, practical reforms to how our democracy works.

Scott Morrison had 3 years to make good on his promise for a Federal ICAC. Three years later, the Government has still not introduced their universally panned model for a weak ICAC. Australia is sliding down the Corruption Perception Index. We need a real ICAC. That's why I seconded Helen Haines bill for a Federal ICAC with teeth.

Now, voters are turning to Independents who will deliver integrity in politics. I joined Dr Helen Haines MP and The Australia Institute for a great Integrity Forum. You can watch it here.

Homelessness
We are facing a homelessness crisis among older women. Recently I joined an online discussion to talk policy solutions to this inexcusable situation, a result of entrenched inequality and policy failure. You can view the forum here.

Save the ABC
Our ABC has been under constant attack from the Morrison led Liberal government. Through bushfires and floods, our public broadcaster has been a lifeline.

In our Asia Pacific region, the ABC was an important form of soft diplomacy - but Chinese influence has stepped into the vacuum left by cuts to our Oceanic broadcasting.

Most importantly, the ABC keeps government accountable and voters informed.

The Coalition Government has undermined our ABC for years. We can't afford to let this continue.

I recently took part in a rally to protect “OUR” ABC which you can view here.

4. MEETINGS

Over recent weeks, I’ve enjoyed meeting with a range of people from the President of the local Chamber of Commerce to various constituents to discuss their NDIS needs or Aged Care concerns. I’ve met with Nicola Forrest, founder of the Minderoo Foundation and with His Excellency Henrik Cederin, the Swedish Ambassador to Australia. But some of my favourite meetings have been with Flora, Ella and Anna who all recently achieved their Queens’ Scout Award. This award is a recognition of the diverse skills and achievements they have built up through their years in the scouting movement.

Joining your local scouts is a great way to have fun, meet people and build your independence and capabilities as a young person. We are fortunate in Warringah to have many branches. You can find one here.

5. VOLUNTEER WEEK and EVENTS

Happy National Volunteers Week! This year’s theme is “Better Together”.

Across Warringah, I’m constantly impressed and inspired by the thousands of volunteers serving our community. From sporting clubs to charity services, bush regeneration to community groups, thank you for your time, skills and service.

Warringah is better for it!

For information on volunteering opportunities visit https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/get-involved/nvw/

This is also a great time to say “thank you” to the 1400 members of Team Zali, generously giving up their time to help keep Warringah strong and independent.

It’s been great getting out and about in recent weeks as we talk to our community about the issues that are important to them - the environment, integrity, climate change and the economy.

From dancing with umbrellas, to dog walks and Ocean Swims, there’s been so many fun ways to get involved. One of the highlights was definitely the Yoga class at Balmoral Beach. It was great to see everyone taking a moment to pause and care for each other during a busy campaign. Warringah is a kind and compassionate electorate and I am so proud to represent these values.

If you’d like to sign up to join Team Zali, we’d love to have you onboard, simply visit https://www.zalisteggall.com.au/volunteer

6. ELECTION NEWS
The nomination papers were lodged and the Ballot “Bingo” took place.
There are 7 candidates running in Warringah - we were each allotted numbers, and then balls were thrown in a rotating basket and drawn out by a blindfolded official from the Australian Electoral Commission. It is rather bizarre - but an important step in a transparent process.

I'll be number 2 on your ballot paper so please mark the box next to my name with a number 1. Then make sure you number ALL the other boxes, according to your own personal preferences.

Bus Launch
Meet “Evie” - the Team Zali electric campaign bus! Can you imagine our streets and neighbourhoods with electric vehicles? Silent engines, no fumes. Not to mention no nasty shocks at the bowser. Evie is a great bit of fun and very popular with all the volunteers, but there is a serious side too.

Transport makes up 20% of our emissions. The longer we have to wait for good EV policy, the longer Australia will be stuck with dirty combustion engines that other countries don't want. The time for action is now!

The Dirty Tricks begin – fake posters, sneaky flyers and nasty robocalls.
When I speak with people in Warringah it’s clear they value an inclusive and kind society. I do too. Diversity and inclusion bring strength and vibrancy to our community in so many ways. We should celebrate our progress. I like to think the days of needless division are over, but we’ve seen some shocking comments and political weaponisation of real people’s lives in recent weeks.

We’ve also seen some nasty tactics. As predicted, the dirty tricks are coming out.

Misleading flyers and unauthorised posters have been put up around Warringah. You can read about it here. These have all been reported to authorities. This goes to the Liberals and Scott Morrison refusing to stop lies in political advertising. But our community is no fool. I am committed to cleaning up political advertising and will re-introduce my “Stop the Lies bill” to the next Parliament.

Voices of Warringah Audit
Thank you to Voices Of Warringah (VOW) for remaining vigilant and ensuring the views of our community are raised and heard. They recently conducted an audit of my three years in Parliament. I’ve been proud to serve as the Federal Member for Warringah for the last three years and I hope to continue the work of taking the concerns and needs of our community to Canberra. For the full audit carried out by VOW, visit the Voices of Warringah website here.

7. MEDIA ARTICLES AND APPEARANCES

It’s been a very busy period dong lots of media to ensure the key messages are being discussed about climate action, integrity and the importance of Independents on the Cross Bench:

Ross Gittins article: Thoughts from Ross Gittins in The Sydney Morning Herald really resonate: As the major parties seem "more the same", people voting independent would raise the bar in politics. "I regard this as a healthy development that will force the duopolists to lift their game." Read his full article here:

Media Watch segment
The old guard is thrashing about, doing everything to hold on to power, never addressing the big, important issues. They don’t want communities to hold Government to account. The louder & more outrageous they get, the more determined communities are to change politics in Australia. View the segment here.

ABC News, RN Breakfast
I recently spoke about Morrison's tactics of distraction and division on RN Breakfast with Patricia Karvelas. Warringah is a caring, compassionate community who I am incredibly proud to represent. They want leaders who will focus on the real issues and act on the solutions.

ABC Breakfast
I think voters are sick of the campaign focus on personalities over policies. There’s no doubt in my mind that Scott Morrison is using his hand picked candidate for Warringah to deviate from the actual issues - climate and integrity, just two of his massive failings. But let’s be clear: the lack of an integrity commission affects every taxpayer, and climate change impacts every single Australian. I was pleased to share my views on ABC TV Breakfast.

Hack
Triple j Hack did a great explainer on the power of having Independents in Parliament. A strong crossbench is great for democracy. Listen to the episode here.

Northern Beaches Review – Independents – Better for the Beaches
The community wants engagement on the big issues, they're tired of the polarised, adversarial politics of the major teams. What the major parties are focused on is 'how am I going to beat the other side?' They're not focused on 'what's my legacy going to be, what are the major challenges that need to be addressed, what is actually right to do?'"

Thanks to The Northern Beaches Review for the interview and cover story with Dr Sophie Scamps.

Fran Kelly
I had a great chat with Fran Kelly on ABC News following the launch of my EV policy and the electric Campaign Bus. Independents are offering real solutions to our climate challenge. We're embracing Australia's profound net zero opportunities.

Channel 6 News – Leo Puglisi and Roman Mackinnon
I was so impressed with the quality, professionalism and detail of this reporting by young men Leonardo Puglisi and Roman Mackinnon. They went beyond just repeating the slogans and attack lines to really focussing on the issues. I can’t wait to see them both in the press gallery! Hear their story here.

ABC Sydney - Richard Glover
Without a strong net zero plan, cost of living pressures will only pile up for Australians. The transition to net zero should be well underway. We can't afford to wait. I shared my thoughts with Richard Glover on his Drive program.

My Opinion Piece in The Australian
The Climate Change Bill I propose sets up an internationally proven legislative framework to guide the economy to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Britain has had this kind of law in effect since 2008. In part due to the law, emissions in Britain fell by 26 per cent between 2009 and 2019. By legislating, it has kept several UK governments focused through the global financial crisis, Brexit and the pandemic. They are now on track for 68 per cent emissions reduction by 2030, while growing their economy – an achievement which has been extolled by the OECD.

As a result, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Mexico and France, to name a few, have followed suit with their own climate laws. This is all while Australia has been completely lost at sea.

For my full piece, visit my website here.

Peter Hartcher – The Sydney Morning Herald
Over the last three years, I continually hear how many people feel the Liberal Party has left them, not the other way around. The shift to Independents is part of a realignment. It was great to chat to Peter Hartcher this week about the Rise of the Independents.

Northern Beaches Review at Prepoll
The volunteers and I had a fun moment at pre poll this week when a group of school girls had a “fan moment”! But it was also a great reminder that girls and young women appreciate having a voice in Parliament. I’m passionate about women’s rights, and as an Independent I am able to stand up for what is fair, not just what is convenient. In my first term I have stood up for women’s safety at home and at work, pay equity, superannuation parity, housing security and more.

I want girls to grow up in an Australia that is fair and safe - a country where they can reach their full potential, and feel confident that they too can be a leader. With many competent Independent women standing up for gender equity in this election, the future looks increasingly bright for the next generation.

Gavin – ABC AM
Scott Morrison, panicking about his job security, falsely claims Independents lead to "chaos". Does he forget just how chaotic his own Government has been? It was great to speak to Gavin Coote from the ABC about how Sensible Independents want an end to the chaos of this parliament's selfish LNP antics.

Peter Beatie Opinion Piece
The idea of more sensible Independents in Parliament has the Government lashing out in fear. Most Australians fear having more wasted years of climate chaos. We can’t miss this opportunity – Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie wrote about it in this Opinion Piece.

ABC Vote Compass Concerns
This is my letter to the ABC concerning the exclusion of Independents in the Vote Compass platform. Many known Independents are standing for re-election, all with transparent voting records. They are strong on the issues that are important to their communities. Given the growing movement of Independents, the fact that they don't have a place in Vote Compass renders the model questionable.

And here is their response. Needless to say I'm disappointed and I don't agree with their position. I think at the very least they could include a stronger warning or disclaimer that the results for your specific electorate do not include all candidates and that voters should do their own research. Accurate information is so important - especially from our National Broadcaster.

National Press Club Address
When we see the rorts, the moral breakdown and the refusal of this Government to be accountable, it’s clear we need to temper the power they hold. This is why, at National Press Club, I spoke about a Parliament with the power of balance. Only strong community-backed voices in Government, free of party politics, can get Australia back to true representative Democracy. You can watch the Cross Bench press club on ABC iView.

8. MY POLICIES

As the election picks up it’s good to be informed about what the candidates are offering. My team and I have developed detailed plans across six key policy areas:

You can visit my website here for my position on many other issues.

Back to top

9. MY VOTING RECORD

It’s also good to stay informed about my voting record and to understand how I have represented the views of the Warringah community in Parliament. Some misinformation about my record has already been floated around so please visit my website to get the facts and again, feel free to share them widely. My Voting Record (zalisteggall.com.au)

The reality is that 2 out of 3 of the votes in this Parliament have been to gag debate – to shut down Members from speaking. I do not believe that members should be gagged by the Government, so on those occasions I have voted with the non-Government members.

It should be noted that the vast majority of legislation passes the House on the voices, uncontested - without coming to a vote. When it does go to a formal vote, I have voted with Government 51% of the time. Key issues where I have voted against the government include the Medevac legislation for refugees in offshore detention, watering down the environmental protection and biodiversity act and increasing university fees for students of business, law and the arts.

The electorate is choosing to vote for an Independent and that’s because they want someone to bring an independent mind to each issue and not just take a party ideology line.

The voters of Warringah have consistently shown that their main areas of concern are Climate, Environment, Integrity and the Economy. My actions and voting record are consistent with those priorities.
Back to top

10. ELECTION INFORMATION

I’ve been contacted by many of you wanting to know the logistics of how to vote on election day – questions about postal voting, enrolment details, interstate voting even what COVID safety measures will be in place. My team have done an amazing job bringing together all the helpful information in one spot here: Election Information - Zali Steggall

Many of you have also asked for copies of “My How To Vote” card – feel free to download it and save it to your phone here.

11. COMMUNITY NOTICES

Seaforth Bowling Club Barefoot Bowls
Come on down to 39 Kirkwood St, Seaforth on the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of every month, 1 – 4.30pm for an afternoon of bowls for $5 per person (children under 12 free). All welcome – bar, food and playground equipment open.

Manly West PS Centenary
Manly West PS is building a centenary path to commemorate 100 years. If you are a past or present teacher, parent or student and would like to buy a brick you can do so here: https://events.humanitix.com/manly-west-centenary-path-buy-a-brick. Funds raised will go toward school improvements.

WaveChanger: Eco/Surf/Science Event Thursday 19^th May 6.30pm
Tickets are now on sale for a solutions-focused event that's kindly supported by Northern Beaches Council at Ruby Lane Cafe, Manly. Tickets are just $15 and includes yummy buffet/canapés and one alcoholic or soft drink. Great news if you’re a fan of the science, tech and environmental realms of surfing, or would like to learn more about these topics. Check out eco-surfboards on display by the award-winning duo from Sine Surf. Short talks and discussion panel featuring Surfers for Climate, AUSMAP and Surf Flex Lab. Get your tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/eco-surf-science-tickets-320614084357

Do you have a community event you’d like me to include in my newsletter? Please email me at [email protected] or phone my office on 9977 6411

12. “FEEDBACK”

If you can’t attend the Town Hall meetings, I’d still love to have your feedback. As your voice in Federal Parliament, I want to hear from you and understand what issues are important to you and the wider community. So please take a few minutes to answer the questions on the link here. Your feedback is important to me. Already I’ve received approximately 150 responses and the areas of concern include Housing Affordability, Better Support for Mental Health Issues, Tax Reform, Concern over the Care Industry.

I’ve been so humbled by the many offers of help for the upcoming few weeks. If you would like to support the campaign, please visit the website to find out about volunteering, putting up signs, or making a donation.

This is an exciting time for Warringah as we show Australia how committed we are to a new wave of politics – improving standards and ensuring the voice of our community is heard.

Please share this email with your friends and family to keep them updated, or encourage them to sign up on my website at www.zalisteggall.com.au

Take care. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Do you like this page?

or Create an account

Subscribe with RSS