Voters give their view on Zali Steggall victory over Tony Abbott
The Manly Daily asked voters what they thought of Zali Steggall’s historic election victory over Tony Abbott in Warringah.
On Sunday morning the Manly Daily asked Warringah residents what they thought of Zali Steggall’s historic victory.
There were mixed opinions, with a lot of emotion throughout the campaign.
HERE IS WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY
DARREN GILES
The Manly resident was absolutely shocked to hear that Tony Abbott lost his seat. He voted for Mr Abbott yesterday and liked the fact that he supported the Sea Eagles and the Beaches Link Tunnel.
“It looks like residents are fed up with Abbott,” Mr Giles said.
“I liked his views. We don’t necessarily need to do something about climate change at the moment.”
Mr Giles doesn’t know what to expect from Zali Steggall.
PAUL AND LEONIE HARRINGTON
The Manly couple were very happy with the election result. The two Zali Steggall supporters believe she is a brilliant new independent who will truly represent Warringah.
“She has a positive and modern message,” Ms Harrington said.
“She will raise the tone of the debate (in parliament).”
The couple didn’t believe it was about Liberal or Labor in Warringah this election.
Mr Harrington argued that Ms Steggall did not use personal attacks in her campaign and believes she will represent the area with dignity in parliament.
CAROLYN ANDERSON
The Manly local didn’t mind one way or the other who was elected in Warringah. She watched the election coverage and liked Tony Abbott’s speech.
“I thought Tony Abbott mad a very gracious speech last night,” she said.
Ms Anderson doesn’t know anything about Zali Steggall and is waiting to see what she will do.
PHIL CALLAGHAN
Social worker Phil Callaghan is a lifelong Labor supporter but this election voted for Zali Steggall. He was happy with the result in Warringah but not pleased that the Liberal party is set to return to power.
“I believe Zali will be more progressive than Tony Abbott and the Liberals,” Mr Callaghan said.
“I think climate change was a major issue and she seems to have a proactive stance on it.”
Mr Callaghan was uncomfortable with Warringah being a “safe” Liberal seat as he felt nothing got done as a result. He hopes that the change will mean something gets done about the Spit Bridge.
Mr Callaghan believes in Labor’s policies and values as it is more aligned with working class people and the environment.
ROBYN HUTTON
The Allambie Heights resident was happy with the election result even though she voted for Tony Abbott.
She believes it is time for a change of leadership in the area and felt Mr Abbott’s views didn’t connect with the younger generation.
“In this electorate he was a little bit out of date,” Ms Hutton said.
“Climate change has a lot to do with it. He’s not appealing to younger voters.”
She is unsure if Zali Steggall will do a good job in parliament and said she is the “unknown factor”.
“I know she is a solicitor but politics is different,” she said.
JANETTE BOOLER
The Manly resident was disappointed Tony Abbott wasn’t re-elected as Warringah is now a “dead seat”.
“She won’t be able to do anything,” Ms Booler said.
Ms Booler believed that Mr Abbott cared about the electorate and that he was always around and accessible. She blamed the media for dragging him down and said it was a shame he lost his seat.
“He was a good politician,” she said.
MARK RIORDAN
Manly resident Mark Riordan thought it was a good result for Warringah but not so good overall.
“The coalition are still in so climate change won’t be addressed,” Mr Riordan said.
“That was one of the main reasons I voted Tony out.”
Mr Riordan is normally a Greens voter but this election he decided to give his number one to Zali Steggall. He believes she will be strong on climate change and thinks it is a positive that she is not a member of a major political party.
“She doesn’t have to kowtow the party lines,” he said.
“It has potential to be a good thing so we will wait and see.”
MATTHEW DUNSTALL
Queenscliff local Matthew Dunstall thought Zali Steggall would win the election but was surprised her victory was announced so early on Saturday night. He noticed that the Steggall team had an incredible presence in Warringah and that they appeared to be well organised. He voted for her yesterday.
“Most of the time I voted for Liberal before. I felt Abbott’s influence was disruptive, simple as that,” Mr Dunstall said.
“Attention needs to be taken on climate change. If you can make energy sources renewable you should just do it as it makes sense.”
Mr Dunstall argued that having an independent can be very influential in parliament as the government will need Ms Steggall’s support if they don’t have a majority.
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