Zali Steggall’s election warning: “Prevention costs less — but it doesn’t win elections”

“We have to redirect the Titanic,” said Warringah MP Zali Steggall, referring to Australia’s action on climate change.

Stegall, the former Olympian athlete and barrister, was talking to the North Shore Lorikeet at her community hub in Mosman.

In an hour-long interview Steggall spoke about the environmental debt we are passing to future generations, the urgent need for better domestic violence services, how short stay accommodation operators must face tighter regulations and why she still runs for 100km.

Through the conversation she underscored the benefits of having no party allegiance, describing herself as being in the “very sensible centre”. “I'm not ideological about things. I'm more pragmatic.”

Steggall, short-priced favourite to retain the seat, described the Federal Government as “reactive” and said the focus needs “to shift to prevention - in health, climate, housing. Prevention costs less, but doesn’t win elections”.

The big ship is off course

A key advocate for climate legislation, Steggall introduced the Climate Change Bill to the Australian Parliament. The legislation aims to set long-term emissions reduction targets and establish an independent Climate Change Commission.

“Being a global leader in energy transition is important - but I’m pragmatic. We’ve already warmed, disasters are happening more frequently, and it’s costing us more.”

The MP highlighted the economic and social costs of inaction, especially as climate risks drive up insurance premiums and intensify extreme weather events.

“An environmental debt is just as bad on future generations as a fiscal one,” Steggall said.

Where can I live?

With low vacancy rates and high rents, Steggall has proposed incentives for people to downsize, and tighter regulation of short stay rentals offered by the likes of Airbnb.

“If rental increases are going to go substantially more than the rise in interest rates, there has to be a benefit - like energy efficiency upgrades or actual investment in the property.”

While acknowledging that market forces play a role, Steggall said governments must take proactive steps to prevent the housing crisis from worsening.

“We need to stop incentivising rentals as just a wealth-building mechanism. Housing is a necessity for a thriving community. Unless we incentivise, nothing’s going to change.”

Male violence against women

Steggall is a vocal advocate for addressing gender-based violence and improving protections for women.

“It is overwhelmingly men committing violence against women, and we need to name it as such,” she stated bluntly. “We can’t pretend domestic violence is some vague issue happening in the shadows - it’s happening on every street in every community, including affluent areas like Warringah.”

She has pushed for better funding of legal services and crisis accommodation, as well as legal reforms to ensure perpetrators, rather than victims, bear the burden of relocation.

“Women should not have to choose between danger and homelessness,” she said.

Away from work

Steggall enjoys running along Sydney’s scenic coastal trails, which she describes as a form of active meditation.

But the Olympian in her dies hard: “I do ultra marathons - 100K events - for fun. You only sign up to one or two a year, then train all year for them.”

When she can find time she reads, and has a deep appreciation for stories of resilience and leadership.

She has particularly enjoyed The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay and the biographies of Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, which reflect themes of perseverance and ambition.