Independent member for Warringah, Zali Steggall discusses her unusual path to politics and election integrity. 

Among all the commentary about the ‘teal wave’ in the 2022 federal election, how has the presence of more independent candidates in Australia’s chambers of power changed the status quo of politics? And what more needs to change? In the face of scare campaigns from both major parties, how can we make sure claims made on the campaign trail by candidates or third-party campaign groups are based in truth? And how can we reform campaign financing laws in ways that ensure transparent donations – for both independents and candidates from the major parties? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Independent MP and the “OG Teal” joins frequent guest Professor Paul Pickering and Professor Mark Kenny to discuss her journey as an independent candidate and how to make Australian elections fairer and more transparent. 

Zali Steggall is the independent member for Warringah. 

Paul Pickering is an Emeritus Professor and Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute.

Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times. 

Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au. 

This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. 

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