New MP Zoe Daniel reflects on career in first speech to parliament

Former foreign correspondent Zoe Daniel has reflected on the events which set the wheels of her new career as an MP in motion.

Witnessing the destruction wrought by climate change set former journalist Zoe Daniel on the path which would ultimately lead her to becoming an MP.

The new member for Goldstein has reflected on her 27 years as a reporter in her first speech to federal parliament on Tuesday evening.

Ms Daniel said she was particularly affected by her experience in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

“As a journalist and foreign correspondent, I have seen all manner of climate-related disasters,” she said, speaking in the House of Representatives for the first time.

“Nothing before or since compares to the scenes in Tacloban, flattened by a storm surge that destroyed 90 per cent of the city.

“This event was a turning point for me, a realisation of the impact climate change and its increasingly unmanageable weather events would have on communities.”

Former ABC journalist turned independent MP Zoe Daniel has recalled her time as a reporter in her first speech to parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The former ABC journalist ousted Tim Wilson to take the once blue ribbon Melbourne Bayside seat of Goldstein out of Liberal hands for the first time since federation.

She said her conversations with her children had inspired her to act.

“The impact of these floods, fires and storms have become too much, too frequent, to continue to do too little … so I especially want to thank my family for supporting me as I stand here today, wanting to do more,” she said.

“Well, now is my chance – our chance – to do something about climate. About transforming our economy amid a huge opportunity, a renewables revolution.”

Ms Daniel was one of the most high profile pro-climate “teal” independent candidates at the 2022 election.

Independent Zoe Daniel claims victory in the seat of Goldstein on the night of May 21. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

In a nod to the teals’ campaign platform, Ms Daniel said the 47th parliament must include climate action, greater integrity, safety and empowerment for women and girls

“My job now will be to hold the government to account for dramatically improved climate policy and targets, backed by the best science we have. A timely, planned – just – transition to renewable energy,” she said.

“This kind of collaboration is what the Goldstein community wants. It is one of the fundamental reasons I now stand in this parliament.”

Zoe Daniel is congratulated after her maiden speech. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Ms Daniel paid tribute to her parents for teaching her the skills to succeed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Ms Daniel paid tribute to her father, a teacher who also played for the Essendon football club, and her mother, a hairdresser who became a social worker who supported women escaping domestic violence.

“Just as my mother taught me to listen and to feel, my father has always pushed me to push myself, to have impact,” she said.

She referred to the phrase she had borrowed which became her election catchcry – “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

“Our when, is now. It starts today. It’s time to act,” she said.

“Thank you Goldstein for your trust, and I ask you – and all Australians – to hold me to account.”