12 August 2024
by Grahame Lynch
Independent federal MP for Warringah Zali Steggall has endorsed the incumbent North Sydney mayor Zoe Baker and her Real Independents team for the upcoming September 14 election – even to the extent of encouraging her own supporters to help their council campaign through letter-boxing and donations.
In a document published by the Real Independents on their website, Steggall said “The local councils are at the forefront of key issues such as climate change, sustainability, inclusion, domestic violence and support for those in need. A progressive council allows me as the federal member to closely collaborate on those issues and achieve the best outcomes for our area.”
“I have a strong working relationship with the independent North Sydney mayor Zoe Baker and her team and give them my full support in the upcoming Council election. It’s important to keep the Council community-focused.”
“Democracy is not a spectator sport and it takes all of us as active citizens to become involved. It would be great if you could find some time to support your local independent candidates.”
Steggall’s seat covers the North Sydney LGA suburbs of Cremorne, Neutral Bay and Kurraba Point.
The makeup of the field for the Council elections will be known after close of nominations on Wednesday.
At this stage, sitting councillors Zoe Baker (mayor, Real Independents), MaryAnn Beregi (Real Independents), Godfrey Santer (deputy mayor, Labor) and Shannon Welch (Labor) have nominated with the NSW Electoral Commission to run again for the next term. It is also expected that there will be Liberal-aligned tickets in both wards and that Cr James Spenceley, an independent, will run again. Independent Michael Chandler and Australian Democrat Adam Baudelaire are running in St Leonards Ward and the Sustainable Australia party has nominated Sarah Kok to run in Cammeraygal Ward, apparently replacing Georgia Lamb who was elected as a councillor for the party three years ago. It is unclear at this stage whether Lamb or other sitting councillors William Bourke, Ian Mutton, Jilly Gibson and John Lepouris intend to seek re-election.