🔵 Steggall accuses Coalition of "political point-scoring"
Plus: Your monthly event guide for the North Shore, Harbour Bridge cycle paths and an impending heatwave.
Huw Bradshaw
January 07, 2026
⏱️ The 70th edition of our newsletter is a five-minute read.
Morning all,
Welcome to our first newsletter of 2026.
Across Australia, we’ve started the year off with a major heatwave. The Bureau of Meteorology says we haven’t seen one this severe since 2019’s Black Summer. While the North Shore likely won’t be as badly affected as Southern NSW, make sure you keep cool, hydrated and safe throughout the week.
Later in the week, we’ll be investigating the impact on public health that extreme heat events like this can cause, speaking to healthcare professionals and doctors about how our hospitals cope with heatwaves.
If you work in public health, or have any experience with the health impacts of extreme heat, feel free to send us an email and share your experiences with us. You can remain anonymous if you’re unable to speak publicly.
Let’s get into the rest of the news.
HEARD THIS WEEK👂
Steggall, Scamps back federal royal commission into Bondi terror attack
Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall has accused the Coalition of “trying to weaponise for political gain” the terror attack in Bondi.
In an interview with the Lorikeet on Tuesday afternoon, Steggall questioned whether the Coalition’s motivation in calling for a royal commission was “to keep Australians safe”, and accused its MPs of “looking for division” rather than “focusing on unity”.
“I do feel some of the calls, especially from the Coalition, have been very politically motivated,” she said, adding that the conservative side of politics had “the backing of certain elements of the media…”
Steggall and fellow northern Independent, Mackellar’s Sophie Scamps, have written to PM Anthony Albanese calling for a royal commission in the wake of the slaughter at Bondi on December 14.
North Shore MPs Nicolette Boele (Bradfield) and Julian Leeser (Berowra) both backed calls for a royal commission on December 22.
Read the full story below.
🖼️ Your monthly event guide for the North Shore
Outdoor cinema, Scottish terriers and Australian impressionists: here are all the best events to kick off 2026.
🚴 Following 13 months of construction, the Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp opens
Yesterday morning, the long anticipated bike ramp in Milsons Point was officially opened, allowed cyclists to ride directly on to the Harbour Bridge.
Previously, those looking to cycle across the bridge were forced to dismount just outside Milsons Point train station, and walk their bike up 55 stairs.
Watch out full video on the ramp here.
That’s all from me.
Got a story tip? An unsolved mystery? A notable local? Hit reply or reach out at [email protected].
And if you are able to support keeping local news free in our community, we would be so grateful.
Cheers,
Huw