The Heraldtook to the streets of Mosman and Manly on Tuesday to interview a random sample of voters about their thoughts on the scandal.
While some voters said Steggall’s disclosure failure had damaged her image,most said they continued tosupport their local member,pointing to her work on behalf of the electorate.
Deborah Rattray,from Mosman,described herself as both a “strong Liberal voter” and a passionate Steggall supporter. While Rattray initially voted for Steggall to oust predecessor Tony Abbott,she appreciated how the MP’s office helped her family to obtain Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations.
“She admits it’s a rookie error,” Rattray said of the donations oversight. “At least she’s upfront. We’ll be voting for her because of what she has done and her first term in federal Parliament. She’s a star.”
Steve Collinson from Queenscliff said that while Steggall’s behaviour may seem hypocritical,he did not see a problem in accepting money from a coal investor.
“I would say as it’s personal money and not coal money directly from a coal company,” he said. “I think it’s a big stretch to say that she’s ‘in bed with coal.’”