.
This week’s guests on the Australia Asks video podcast are Allegra Spender MP and Zali Steggall MP, talking about their new political party, Community Strong.
Allegra Spender MP is the Federal Member for the Sydney electorate of Wentworth, first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and re-elected in 2025. Before entering politics, she built a career spanning business, public policy and the not-for-profit sector. She worked as a business analyst with McKinsey & Company, served as a policy analyst at the UK Treasury, was Managing Director of the Carla Zampatti fashion business, chaired the Sydney Renewable Power Company, and later became CEO of the Australian Business and Community Network, which focuses on improving educational opportunities for young Australians. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Science in Organisational Psychology from the University of London.
In Parliament, Allegra has focused on issues including the cost of living, housing affordability, tax reform, climate action, integrity in politics and economic productivity. She serves on several parliamentary committees, including those relating to economics, migration, and foreign affairs, defence and trade, and has advocated for evidence-based policymaking and constructive crossbench engagement. As an independent representative, she has emphasised working across political lines to improve legislation while maintaining a strong focus on the priorities and concerns of the Wentworth community.
Zali Steggall is an Australian Member of Parliament representing the federal electorate of Warringah since 2019. Before entering politics, she enjoyed an outstanding career as an Olympic alpine skier, winning a bronze medal in the women’s slalom at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano – the first Australian woman to win an individual Winter Olympic medal. After retiring from elite sport, she studied law and built a successful career as a barrister, specialising in commercial law, sports law and constitutional matters. Her diverse background in sport, law and public service has shaped her approach to evidence-based policy and pragmatic problem-solving.
In Parliament, Zali has become well known for her work on climate policy, political integrity, economic reform and gender equality. She has advocated for stronger emissions reduction targets, the establishment of robust integrity measures in federal politics, and policies aimed at supporting a more sustainable and productive Australian economy. As one of the prominent independent MPs elected in 2019, she has played an influential role in shaping parliamentary debate and demonstrating the growing impact of community-backed independent representatives in Australian politics.
Craig Hill is a Brisbane-based author, journalist, teacher, business consultant and social justice campaigner. He is the General Manager of the Australian Book and Language Studio.
Please check out our online shop where you can buy all our Doctor Who books as paperbacks or eBooks.
Please check out our video podcast, “Australia Asks”. There are interviews with Australian federal politicians and political commentators, as well as special features addressing current political issues.
Follow Me on Social Media
Discover more from Craig Hill
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Craig Hill 