Independent Zali Steggall won the NSW seat of Warringah at the May election on a platform largely focused on climate change.

The winter Olympian says it's wrong to consider environmental issues as concerns of the left, praising the UK government for recently declaring a climate emergency.

"We can and must respond with the same determination and urgency," she told parliament on Wednesday.

"Two-thirds of Australians see global warming as a significant and pressing problem. It is time to reflect on this with bipartisanship."

Ms Steggall hopes the 46th parliament is remembered for creating and implementing a plan to decarbonise every industry by 2050.

"Our time is precious and limited. Like many people in Warringah and all over Australia, I refuse to be part of the generation that had all the facts but failed to take meaningful action," she said.

"The cost of inaction is so great it is unthinkable that a coalition government, driven with ideals of reducing national debt, would consider burdening future generations with the greatest debt ever."

Dressed in her campaign colour of turquoise, Ms Steggall looked to her supporters in the public gallery, similarly dressed in bright aqua hues.

She says the people of Warringah are passionate about bringing on a new era of "moderates with a heart".

The barrister also pointed to her other policy areas of interest, such as domestic violence, while calling for a new approach to mental health and rising suicide rates.

Ms Steggall began her first speech speaking proudly about the nature and history of Warringah, which lies on the northern beaches of Sydney.

She paid tribute to the first people of the region, the Gayamaygal, Cammaraygal and Borogegal, saying there are many gaps still to close for indigenous Australians.

"I hope that this parliament will go beyond the apology, accept the voice of our indigenous people and find mutual respect and accelerate the process of healing."

The Olympic bronze medallist hopes to rebuild trust in Australian politics, saying it's at its lowest levels in a decade.

She wants the press and the ABC to be safeguarded, and has proposed a legal minimum of truth in political advertising.

"We can only reach our potential as a democracy if we believe in our institutions. As in sport, there can only be respect if you are playing by the rules."

Australian Associated Press