Zali Steggall asks about northern beaches tunnel at her first Question Time

Zali Steggall has quizzed the Federal Government over its funding commitments to the Beaches Link tunnel, as she calls for an end to dirty politics.

Zali Steggall during Question Time in the House of Representatives Chamber, at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

• Steggall labels climate change our ‘greatest threat’
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Warringah MP Zali Steggall has pledged to fight for the Beaches Link tunnel after getting confirmation of funding at Question Time.

She said she was satisfied that the Liberal Party would be standing by its $50m pre-election pledge after quizzing the Deputy Prime Minister with her debut question on Wednesday.

The Government offered the previous Liberal MP, Tony Abbott, a last minute sweetener for Warringah voters with the promise of $50m to help with access around the Balgowlah entrance of the proposed tunnel.

Former Prime Minister and Warringah Liberal candidate Tony Abbott concedes defeat at Manly Leagues Club in Brookvale. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

Ms Steggall used her first question to ask about the Government’s commitment to the $50m pledge and was happy with the answer, saying she would be following it up with Deputy Leader Michael McCormack and the Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge.

“I felt it was important for the local community to get that renewed commitment,” Ms Steggall said. “I was glad it is still on their radar.”

The proposed 7.2km tunnel will go under Middle Harbour and join the freeway at Cammeray.

Zali Steggall supporters arrive at Parliament House in Canberra. Richard Bedard with Louise Gain, Heather Firth, Chris Chapman, Lisong Lu and Marion Wood. Picture Kym Smith

Ms Steggall said she was now waiting for the State Government’s Environmental Impact Statement after which she was looking forward to working with Mackellar MP Jason Falinski on pushing the project forward.

Ms Steggall’s first question at Question Time was witnessed by friends, family and supporters who travelled to Canberra on Wednesday to watch her give an emotional maiden speech.

The new MP had a big week in parliament and used her moment in the limelight to call for action on climate change. She also pushed for the Government to go further than the National Apology for indigenous people and for greater respect among politicians.

She also attended her first meeting of the Environment and Energy Committee to which she was recently appointed.

PM Scott Morrison during Question Time in the House of Representatives Chamber, at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture Kym Smith

At Thursday’s Question Time she asked about the issue of tightening up laws around political campaigning, giving Prime Minister Scott Morrison the opportunity to lambaste the left-supporting lobby group GetUp, who were criticised for tactics against Mr Abbott.

GetUp backed Ms Steggall’s bid for MP, although she denied ever directly receiving help from the group.

Newly elected member for Warringah Zali Steggall outside Parliament House in Canberra on the first day of the 46th Australian parliament, 2 July 2019. Picture: Sean Davey.

Unperturbed, Ms Steggall said the lies and dirty tricks used in the last election on all sides of the political spectrum would impact on Mr Morrison’s legacy.

She said the Prime Minister was “quite happy to take advantage of it when it suits his party”.