More federal Liberal Party MPs will face off against strong female independent candidates at the next election as the coalition continues to be criticised about the lack of women in its ranks.

Barrister and former world champion skier Zali Steggall launched her campaign against Tony Abbott in the Sydney seat of Warringah on Sunday alongside dozens of supporters.

Climate change will be one of Ms Steggall’s main policy platforms, and she says the former prime minister’s views do not represent those of the “socially progressive” electorate.

“I am prepared, I am supported and I know the views of the community,” she said.

Congrats @zalisteggall #Independents4Australia – women flexing, showing what they’re capable away from the old, powerful, male dominated party structures. Progressive + sensible policies not back scratching + repaying old favours. Diverse voices for Parli is good for all. #aupol https://t.co/MNmlf6wpXN

— I’m just Emma 👑 (@emma_husar) January 26, 2019

The former slalom world champion and 1998 Winter Olympics bronze medallist is the third female independent to announce a bid to oust Mr Abbott at the election.

Alice Thompson, a former adviser to Malcolm Turnbull, and indigenous activist Susan Moylan-Coombs will also vie for the northern beaches seat.

And in a sign that Labor MP Emma Husar is still weighing up a bid as an independent, she congratulated Ms Steggall for nominating while spruiking diverse voices in parliament.

“Women flexing, showing what they’re capable away from the old, powerful, male-dominated party structures,” Ms Husar tweeted on Sunday.

Progressive and sensible policies, not back scratching and repaying old favours.”

Liberal-turned-independent MP Julia Banks has also offered her support to Ms Steggall, tweeting: “Australia and Warringah needs strong independent, genuine people like you”.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Dan Tehan doesn’t expect any more of his colleagues to bow out of politics ahead of the election, after three government ministers announced they would step down before the polls.

The number of female crossbenchers could be set to increase following the upcoming federal election. Photo: AAP

But MPs won’t be back in Canberra until Parliament returns on February 12, which may give them enough time to consider their options, particularly with the first Newspoll of the year expected next weekend.

After wrapping up his Queensland tour last week, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will be in Melbourne on Monday to announce $200 million of small grants to help clean Australia’s rivers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to head back to Queensland, where a number of LNP seats are in doubt for a series of road and rail project announcements.

He told the Courier-Mail on Monday the proposed projects were aimed at reducing congestion, which would in turn cut commute times and give Australian families more time to spend together.

“This is robbed by urban congestion. We want to give that time back,” he said.

-AAP