Federal Election: Zali Steggall wins in Warringah, beats Tony Abbott
Zali Steggall has declared it a ‘new beginning’ for Warringah after claiming the seat held by former prime minister Tony Abbott on Saturday night.
WARRINGAH’S new MP Zali Steggall has said she is open to working with both sides of politics as the nation’s balance of power hangs on a knife’s edge.
In her victory speech, Ms Steggall declared it a “new beginning” for Warringah after claiming the seat held by former prime minister Tony Abbott on Saturday night.
In a too-close-to-call contest nationally, Ms Steggall told the Manly Daily she could work with either a Coalition or Labor government.
“I’m comfortable that we can all work together for the future of Australia,” she said.
“For me it’s important we can work with all sides of politics.”
Ms Steggall made it clear she would hold either side to account on climate change policy, but also to bring back decency in politics following a bitter campaign in Warringah.
“I want to get some legislation in place to stop the kind of political campaigning we saw in this election, smear campaigns,” she said.
“We need to raise the bar and ensure there is truth in politics.
“We saw a lot of propaganda and we need to protect our democracy. There has to be proper information.
“And I want to look at climate change. I want to look at energy and give business the reassurance it needs.”
Mr Abbott conceded the seat about 8pm, with just 44 per cent of the vote counted. At that time Ms Steggall had 44.97 per cent of the first preference vote to Mr Abbott’s 37.46.
Throughout her victory speech there were cheers from a devoted crowd at the Novotel in Manly.
Ms Steggall said Warringah had “definitely voted for the future”.
“This is a win for moderates with a heart,” she said.
“I will be a climate leader for you,” she told her supporters.
“And I will hold the new government to account and make sure we take action on climate change.
“I will push for real action for our children and generations to come. So they can enjoy the environment, our beautiful beaches the way we enjoy it.”
Ms Steggall paid tribute to her opponent, after what had been a fierce four-month campaign.
“I would like to pay tribute to Tony Abbott who has been a dedicated and long serving local member,” she said.
“Nobody can doubt his community spirit, his work ethic and his contribution to this community. I wish him well.”
Ms Steggall was often interrupted by her supporters, who chanted “Zali, Zali, Zali” throughout her victory speech just before 9pm.
They cheered loudly after she said that together they had “definitely turned Warringah turquoise”.
She told her supporters it was an opportunity for a new beginning in Australian politics.
“A beginning for honesty, respect in government,” she said.
“We all benefit form the diversity of opinion, but we must all respect one another.
“Warringah, I pledge that I will represent your views, your concerns and your needs.
“I will work collaboratively with all sides of politics so that we can achieve results… for the generations to come.”
She also thanked her parents, husband Tim and children.
“You can’t take on this challenge lightly.
“Thank you to my beautiful kids.”
One supporter, mental health worker Dave Burrell, of Freshwater, kissed Ms Steggall’s hand after her speech and said how proud he was to have worked on her campaign.
“It’s a new dawn, a new horizon,” he said.
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