Australia's most successful alpine skier, Zali Steggall, has formally announced she will stand as an independent in former prime minister Tony Abbott's Sydney seat of Warringah in the next federal election.

Key points: Zali Steggall, a four-time Winter Olympian, says she will be a "voice for the sensible centre"

Zali Steggall, a four-time Winter Olympian, says she will be a "voice for the sensible centre" Tony Abbott has held the seat of Warringah since 1994

Tony Abbott has held the seat of Warringah since 1994 Education Minister Dan Tehan warned people not to underestimate Mr Abbott

At a media conference in Sydney today, the barrister and four-time Winter Olympian accused the former prime minister of being "set in his ways" and unwilling to change, particularly when it came to climate change policy.

She told supporters she wanted to be "a voice for the sensible centre" in Australian politics and to address their concerns about climate change.

"The science is in. It's time to act. What are we waiting for?" she said.

"We do not want to be remembered as the generation that had all the facts but failed to act."

She said she was concerned about the Government's lack of leadership on the issue.

"Climate change is not a political football," she said.

"Warringah has for too long had someone who is set in his ways, unwilling and unable to change.

"He does not represent who we are and what we stand for."

Ms Steggall said she was also determined to bring down the cost of power by using more renewable energy and hydro storage.

She said she would push for long-term economic stability with policies to encourage growth and investment and boosting healthcare services, particularly for mental health.



Bid endorsed by anti-Abbott group

Ms Steggall, who was born in Manly Hospital and is a long-time resident of the area, has had her bid endorsed by the locally based "Vote Tony Out" group.

Group spokesman Mark Kelly said Mr Abbott's 24 years as a local member had been long enough.

"The Vote Tony Out group has been running since October last year," he said.

"She [Ms Steggall] is a very rounded local and will be a fantastic candidate for Warringah.

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"She is not a divisive candidate like Tony Abbott."

Mr Kelly said Ms Steggall would bring some sensible politics to the table.

A four-time Winter Olympian, Ms Steggall won a bronze medal in slalom at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.

Her Olympic career extended from 1992 until 2002.

Mr Abbott has held the seat of Warringah since 1994.

Abbott not 'complacent' about seat

Mr Abbott said he had "never been complacent" about his election chances in Warringah.

"Over the years I've had some pretty fierce opposition — that's to be expected obviously.

"I've been a fairly senior politician for a long time now and inevitably there are some things that you've said over the years that some people didn't like — but in the end, what do people want?

Mr Abbott said the people of Warringah wanted the northern beaches tunnel built to ease traffic congestion, they wanted a reduction in the cost of living — including lower power prices — secure borders and a strong economy.

He refused to be drawn on Ms Steggall's assessment he was out of touch with voters on climate change.

"I'm not going to get in to tit-for-tat arguments with any particular candidate," he said.

"I'm not going to get into name calling with anyone.

"I think people want their power prices reduced and, sure we all want to do the right thing by the environment, but let's never forget we are about 1.3 per cent of global emissions.

"We could close our economy down tomorrow and it wouldn't make a scrap of difference, and the last thing I want to do is to see our country impoverished for no good purpose."

Tony Abbott says he is used to fierce competition in Warringah. ( ABC News )

Education Minister Dan Tehan said Mr Abbott would "put a very strong case forward to the people for Warringah based on his track record".

"People underestimate what Tony does within the community, for the community, they underestimate his ability to campaign," he said.

"There was talk before the last election that Tony might have been in trouble in Warringah [but] he was reindorsed by the voters there quite strongly and I'm sure he'll be prepared to put a very strong case again to his electorate."

Mr Tehan said the Government had proven that "we want to take action when it comes to climate change".

"We have made it very clear that we will meet our international commitments when it comes to climate change and we've got a very good track record of doing that."