Zali Steggall has hit the 1000 volunteer milestone as Tony Abbott becomes favourite for Warringah
Zali Steggall has welcomed the 1000th volunteer to her ranks as she attempts to break the record for the biggest first time independent campaign. It comes as bookies now have Tony Abbott as favourite to win the seat of Warringah.
Manly
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Zali Steggall has welcomed the 1000th volunteer to her ranks as she attempts to break the record for the biggest first time independent campaign.
Her turquoise team has been unmistakeable across Warringah in the last few weeks as her battle against Tony Abbott hots up.
“You hope that your campaign is going to be supported by the local community when you start but you never know,” the Olympian said.
“But the support I have received has been fantastic. It is exciting and everyone feels like they are part of something and making a real difference.”
The Independent candidate hit the 1000 volunteer milestone midweek with some 2700 supporters also signed up to her website.
While she appears to have the edge on her opponent in terms of volunteers, the latest odds suggest Mr Abbott has his nose in front.
Last Friday, Sportsbet had Mr Abbott as favourite at $1.60 with Ms Steggall at $2.30. Just 10 days ago Ms Steggall was at $1.66 and Mr Abbott $2.15.
Mr Abbott has admitted that he faces the fight of his political life against Ms Steggall but said he is confident he can get over the line on May 18. Much of his campaign has focused on the Beaches Link tunnel which he reaffirmed as his top priority when speaking to the Manly Daily this week.
“My first, second and third priority is the tunnel because it is on a scale so much greater than everything else and will have such a big positive impact,” he said.
Ms Steggall’s volunteer base has come under fire from both Mr Abbott and right-leaning campaign group Advance Australia.
Both have accused her of being involved with and receiving help from GetUp!
It is an accusation she denies.
“It is a smear campaign, trying to suggest this is anything other than a grassroots campaign,” she said.
“My volunteers are local people of all age groups and all backgrounds who are all engaged and want change.
“We are getting close now and come polling day we want a sea of turquoise across Warringah.”
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