From housing to HMAS Penguin, Warringah MP Zali Steggall addresses community priorities at packed town hall meeting
Independent Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall, hosted a community town hall in Mosman on Tuesday 21 April, answering audience questions and reinforcing her commitment to representing local voices in Canberra.
Mosman Mayor Ann Marie Kimber also addressed the forum, which was attended by about 220 people. Steggall said the event was an important opportunity to connect with constituents from across the electorate and ensure their concerns continue to shape her advocacy.
Since the federal election in May last year, Steggall has introduced two Private Member’s Bills, addressing the need for truth in political advertising, and climate change adaptation. She has also moved 16 amendments to proposed legislation and asked 13 questions during Question Time to hold the Albanese government to account and raise issues affecting the Warringah community.
Steggall addressed audience questions on a range of topics, including the following:
Housing and tax reform
Steggall noted ongoing housing affordability challenges in Warringah, particularly for young people, essential workers and older women at risk of homelessness. She reiterated her support for potential reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions, particularly where they apply to investment properties beyond the family home.
Steggall welcomed moves by Mosman Council to develop a long-term housing density masterplan to guide land use, development and community infrastructure in the area.
Climate risk and resilience
Steggall has called for stronger national leadership on climate adaptation, writing to the Treasurer to advocate for a minimum annual investment of 0.25% of GDP in resilience and disaster risk reduction.
Transport infrastructure
While transport remains a state responsibility, Steggall continues to seek federal support for local improvements. She highlighted congestion along the North Sydney to Northern Beaches corridor and identified the Warringah Road–Pittwater Road intersection as a key bottleneck. She has also proposed a specialist visa pathway to address bus driver shortages.
HMAS Penguin partial divestment
Steggall confirmed she has met with the Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher, and is advocating for outcomes that prioritise public benefit. She said if the divestment proceeds it must deliver for the community – including the conversion of some existing buildings into social and affordable housing. Steggall also emphasised the importance of protecting remaining native bushland on the site, noting that only a small proportion remains across Sydney Harbour’s north shore.
Accelerating renewable energy rollout
Steggall said the current fuel crisis highlights Australia’s vulnerability, with around 90% of fuel imported and limited domestic refining capacity. “There’s a lot of misinformation about electric vehicles, particularly around range and battery life. I’d encourage people to get informed,” she said, pointing to a new electric vehicle guide produced by her office.
She noted the crisis underscores the need for behaviour change, including greater use of public transport and transitioning to electric vehicles, while the government works to secure fuel supply – albeit at increased cost to motorists.
25% tax on gas exports
Steggall said Australia exports around 80% of its gas while receiving relatively low returns. “Japan makes more revenue from taxing the import of Australian gas than Australia does from exporting it,” she said. Steggall pointed to concerns with the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT), arguing it is not delivering a fair return to Australians. She supports the push for a 25% export tax of gas.
Engaging young people
Steggall regularly engages with young people through youth forums – including a recent Youth Voices event – as well as through schools and universities and work experience programs. She said among the concerns expressed to her by young people were housing affordability, generational inequity and the impact of artificial intelligence on future careers. She emphasised the importance of youth engagement in democracy, noting that today’s policy decisions will shape the lives of future generations.
Politicisation of Australia’s immigration program
Steggall addressed concerns about increasing polarisation and misinformation about Australia’s immigration intake. She said the Coalition and One Nation were unfairly blaming immigration for problems such as the housing shortage, which were in fact the result of policy failures by successive governments. Steggall, who has represented Australia at four Olympic Games, said Australia’s diversity and tolerance was one of its greatest strengths.
The US-Australia alliance
Steggall said Australia’s alliance with the United States remains central to national defence, but highlighted the need for Australia to build relationships with other middle powers. She noted the importance of maintaining defence capability while ensuring spending remains accountable, and reiterated concerns about Australia being drawn into overseas conflicts.
Will you run again in 2028?
Steggall confirmed she intends to seek re-election. “It’s an incredible privilege to represent our community in parliament. There are days when it’s frustrating, but I am committed to the long haul,” she said. “We have such potential in this incredible country. Of all my careers, from sport to law and now politics, this is the most exhilarating and fascinating. There are very few careers where you have the opportunity to impact people’s lives in such a direct way.”