The former Olympic skier Zali Steggall is to run against Tony Abbott as an independent in the seat of Warringah with the support of several grassroots groups that have campaigned to convince voters to dump the former prime minister as their sitting member.
A formal announcement was made on Sunday morning at a rally organised by several grassroots groups including the Vote Tony Out group and Voices of Warringah.
“I am in this to win it,” Steggall told Fairfax on Sunday. “I want to beat Tony Abbott, who has been a handbrake on Australian progress on many fronts but, particularly, effective action on climate change.
“I know what I am getting into but I am not a wallflower – I am tough. I learned from sport that you have to put the work in, and can’t just turn up on the day hoping for the result. I will do the work for this, just as I did the work for sport and law.”
Steggall, born in Manly, is a well-known figure locally. She won a bronze medal in slalom at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and a World Championship gold medal in 1999 …
Tim Thorne
January 27, 2019 at 22:07
The forces of conservatism have found another pleasant face to put on in the knowledge that the uglier ones won’t cut it, come May.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that climate disruption can be halted under the kind of economic system that the voters of Warringah will never willingly give up.
Chris.
January 28, 2019 at 07:54
Or she who would retain the “unfair” negative gearing and capital gains tax?
Is she another privileged candidate .. or a Claytons Liberal?
max
January 28, 2019 at 09:58
Is there one politician standing for election qualified to hold a position in parliament?
For far too long we have voted for a face, or a well known personality, or people with out any qualifications to run the country.
Take Scott Morrison, he who holds a life and death position for all Australians, but with what qualifications? Scott Morrison went to Sydney Boys’ High School and graduated from the University of New South Wales with a degree in Economic Geography. As a child he worked as a child actor in several Television Commercials. Before joining the mainstream politics, Morrison’s career mostly revolved around tourism.
Anyone can stand for election, even criminals who have served their time unless it was for treason. This must be the only job you can apply for and get without the qualifications to do the job.
It is inspiring that even if you have been a total failure in life but have the gift of the gab .. a conman, it is possible to overcome all your failings and some day run Australia.
Rob Halton
January 30, 2019 at 14:36
Max, where did you go to school?
Did you receive so many hard knocks that you continually pass on your second best friends to TT’s Living Drama show?
Rob Halton
January 29, 2019 at 23:48
What seeking election by using climate change as a distraction.
We cant afford one term wonders who actually hinder the nation from moving foward.
At least with Abbott he remains as an important part of maintaining a stable government for Morrison to remain as PM. T
Too many Independent ring ins just add to the political confusion and hinder government in many ways whereas relatively astute and seasoned Independents like Andrew Wilkie are among a very very few that have succeeded and actually help to keep government accountable.
Warringah would be far better served by ther devil they know than the one they dont know!