A Como resident, whose main commitment is to work for action on climate change, is running as an independent against Craig Kelly in the seat of Hughes in the upcoming federal election.
Georgia Steele's campaign has been welcomed by Simon Holmes a Court, whose fundraising organisation Climate 200 is providing financial support for independent candidates.
"Climate 200 looks forward to continuing discussions about support for her campaign," Mr Holmes a Court said in a statement.
"Hughes is going to be a seat to watch. It is an electorate where an Independent focused on climate and integrity really has a chance of winning."
Ms Steele, who has been a volunteer member of community groups Hughes Deserves Better and We Are Hughes, had intended leading a group of independents in E Ward in the Sutherland Shire Council election, but withdrew to focus on the federal election.
A corporate litigator, who is married with two children, Ms Steele has strong links to the Hughes electorate. She lived in Woronora in her early years.
Ms Steele said she had decided to stand as an independent "because the people of Hughes deserve better".
"Hughes is my home - it's where I've chosen to build my life, and where I'm raising my children.
"Climate change represents an unprecedented threat for them, and for all the voters of Hughes.
"We treasure our outdoor lifestyle. I can't sit by and let that be put in danger by a government which has refused to take action on climate change for nearly a decade."
Ms Steele said the Liberal Party had "abandoned the people of Hughes".
"They gave us Craig Kelly and refused to speak out against his dangerous rhetoric when we most needed them to show leadership," she said.
"Hughes... needs a fresh start and a sensible, qualified representative.
I'm not a politician, and I never will be. I want to be a true, Independent representative for Hughes, and I plan on taking the community with me to Canberra."
Ms Steele listed her priorities were:
- Action on climate change, including an urgent, orderly transition to renewables and the establishment of an independent Federal Climate Change body.
- Integrity and transparency in politics, including a Federal ICAC, amendments to electoral laws to introduce caps on donations and campaign spending limits, and truth in advertising laws;
- A robust, sustainable economy, with support for small businesses in their recovery from the pandemic and an orderly but urgent push towards becoming a clean energy superpower; and Genuine steps towards equality for all, including better protections and respect for women, proper funding and access to the NDIS, and a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution.
Mr Steele said, if elected, she would establish a series of local advisory committees made up of community members to ensure their voices are directly heard in Federal Parliament.
"Local residents and businesses will have the opportunity to join at least four committees - focusing on areas such as the climate, small business, youth affairs, and women," she said.
Hughes Deserves Better welcomed Ms Steele's candidacy, saying the group was "excited that a quality Independent candidate, like Georgia, has stepped forward for the community".
The We Are Hughes group is expected to announce a candidate in coming weeks.