Warringah MP Zali Steggall among the first to chat to new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Those who claim independents won’t have much power in a Labor majority government, might need to think again, with Zali Steggall already having the ear of the new PM.

Labor may have formed government in their own right but the influence of those on the crossbench should not be understated, with Zali Steggall among just a handful of people already granted time with our new Prime Minister.

Ms Steggall, who was resoundingly re-elected as Member for Warringah, spoke to Anthony Albanese prior to his dash to Japan for the Quad.

“I have had a chat with the Prime Minister, with Albo. He is obviously caught up with having to be sworn in and heading overseas for an urgent summit,” Ms Steggall said.

“I obviously congratulated him and reiterated to him the strong desire from our community for a better standard of politics.

“The community would like to see more respectful politics and he did assure me he would lead a government willing to work collaboratively with the crossbench and respectfully with the opposition.”

Zali Steggall on election day.

Ms Steggall said she would also be following up with Mr Albanese in the near future to lobby him to match the funding the LNP promised to rebuild the Manly Surf Club and preserve historic sites covered by the Sydney Harbour trust including North Head.

Then there’s the Beaches Link Tunnel project which Ms Steggall backs provided it is re-explored to ensure the proposal is economical sound and addresses environmental concerns raised by residents.

“From an infrastructure point of view I am concerned with the Beaches Link Tunnel which sadly has been put on hold,” Ms Steggall said.

“We can’t overlook the needs of the Northern Beaches.”

Zali Steggall voting at Balgowlah North Public School. Photo: Julian Andrews.

On a national scale, Ms Steggall will continue to push for climate action targets to be enshrined in legislation.

With the former Olympian now staring down another three years of advocating for her community, Ms Steggall has come to another realisation.

“I’m not a career politician,” she said.

“I still think of myself as a skier and a lawyer. But I guess I have to think of myself as politician now too.”

RELATED: Teal Zeal - Spender reveals frist priorities