Climate and women can save Perrottet from election bloodbath: Teal MP Allegra Spender

The state government’s actions on climate change and women might be enough to ward off a simmering wave of independents at the next state election, says Allegra Spender.

Dominic Perrottet’s swift action on climate change and economic and social challenges for women may be enough to shield his party from an all-out “teal” attack, says the Teal MP who beat the Liberals to take a key Sydney seat.

But integrity in politics could remain a hurdle for NSW Liberals after weeks of scandal over the decision to hire former Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Stephen Cartwright to high-profile trade roles.

Wentworth Federal MP Allegra Spender, who was one of several climate focused “teal independents” who booted Liberal men from safe seats, says the 2023 state election will be very different as the state Coalition government has “led” the nation on climate change.

“A big piece for the federal election was climate change and I think the state government has a much stronger record than the federal government did on climate change,” she said.

“Another big issue was women and I think the state government has done a lot in relation to women and been very much on that agenda … I saw Dominic Perrottet’s recent commitment to have more women running.

Wentworth MP Allegra Spender was part of a wave of climate-focused women who pushed Liberals out of safe seats. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

“They’re taking some of the (lessons) from the federal election and really applying them … we can possibly give them a bit more credit, they have really led on climate … They were leading on climate even before I think I came out.”

The Teals’ federal trifecta of policies was a push for climate action, support for women and integrity in politics.

Ms Spender gave Mr Perrottet for acting on climate change and women’s issues. Picture: Jeremy Piper

While Mr Perrottet has acted on the first two, the sordid saga of John Barilaro’s appointment to a $500,000 a year trade job was used by the Opposition to punch a sizeable hole in the government’s public perception.

It was viewed by many as a ‘jobs for the boys’ scenario that prompted two inquiries and saw Trade Minister Stuart Ayres shift to the backbench.

“People do continue to have concerns about integrity in government and local representation,” Ms Spender said.

But despite her praises for Dominic Perrottet’s government, Ms Spender did not rule out stepping into the state arena to help the teals win seats.

The Teal Independents. Picture: Gary Ramage

“I’m not getting involved at this stage but I’m waiting to see what happens,” she said.

Independent groups are already scouting for candidates to capitalise on the loss of veteran MPs who are retiring next March.

Northern Beaches MP and Health Minister Brad Hazzard is still weighing up his options but his progressive, wealthy northern seat could be a key target with the Wakehurst Independents group very recently launching their recruitment campaign for a candidate.