Political analyst James Frost weighs in on Abbott v Steggall debate
A political expert has given his thoughts on the much-publicised Warringah debate between Tony Abbott and Zali Steggall on Thursday in which he said it ‘demonstrated the stark contrast between the two’.
Tony Abbott and Zali Steggall made their respective cases for the seat of Warringah at a lively debate on Thursday evening.
Now it is down to you, the voters, on May 18 to decide who will represent Warringah in Canberra.
Incumbent Mr Abbott used the Sky News and Manly Daily debate to warn the electorate against a protest vote, telling the audience a vote for his opponent put the country at risk of a Labor government.
“This election is getting very close at a national level,” he said. “It is a very close contest that could be decided here in Warringah.
“I also know that some of you are thinking of a protest vote, fair enough.
“Just remember that a protest vote in Warringah would give you a Labor government in Canberra.”
Ms Steggall’s pitch centred on a desire for climate change action, but she stopped short of giving a definitive target for the government to work towards.
The debate also provided answers on who she would side with in Canberra if elected later this month.
She said she didn’t support the Coalition on its current climate change policies and said she would not back Labor on its policies either.
“Just because the Coalition may not come to the table on climate it does not equal a Labor government,” she added.
Asked by moderator David Speers, Sky News political editor, what she would do in Canberra, she said: “I can also sit on the cross bench … My preference on supply and confidence would be the Coalition.
“But then when it comes to legislation of course climate change is my priority.”
Political analyst James Frost, from the Australian National University, said the inexperienced Ms Steggall stood up well to the former Prime Minister.
However, he said the smart money was still on Mr Abbott to win.
“He didn’t manage to corner her in any major way like he did to Rudd on many occasions.
“But at this point in time my money would be on Abbott given the swing needed against him.”
Mr Frost said her best chance was if either Shorten or Morrison were predicted a landslide.
“In my mind it will depend on who the people of Warringah think is going to win.
“If it looks like Labor or Liberal will win by a landslide the vote may go to Steggall because it won’t matter. But if it remains tight then Abbott might get over the line.
“Abbott was making a pitch to the classic Warringah voter who would never
vote for Labor.”
He said Ms Steggall had a freshness to her and said voters would not be concerned by her lack of policy detail.
“The debate demonstrated the stark contrast between the two and she had Abbott on the defensive for a lot of it.”
There was little movement in the betting market following the debate with Mr Abbott still clear favourite at $1.35. Ms Steggall is at $2.70.
By comparison Mr Abbott started the campaign at $1.75 and Ms Steggall $1.96.
“The money has been 60/40 for Abbott but there are plenty out there giving Zali Steggall a fighting chance,” TAB’s Gerard Middleton said.
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