Independents Kerryn Phelps and Zali Steggall buoyed by NSW election results

High-profile federal candidates point to progressive swings in Sydney's east and north shore as evidence climate change remains key issue

The strong showing for independents and Greens on Sydney's north shore in the New South Wales election, and the likely win for Labor in Coogee, have buoyed the two most high-profile independents contesting Sydney seats in the federal election.

The independent MP for the federal seat of Wentworth, Kerryn Phelps, said the results showed the electorate was interested in strong female candidates and that climate change remained a major vote-changing issue.